Gallbladder cancer
Gallbladder cancer Gallbladder cancer is cancer that begins in the gallbladder.
Your gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ located on the right side of your abdomen just below your liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by your liver.
Gallbladder cancer is rare. When gallbladder cancer is discovered in its early stages, the chances of cure are very good. However, most gallbladder cancers are discovered at a late stage when the prognosis is often very poor.
Gallbladder cancer is difficult to diagnose because it usually shows no signs or symptoms. Also, the relatively hidden nature of the gallbladder facilitates the growth of gallbladder cancer undetected.
The symptoms
Gallbladder cancer signs and symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
- Fire
- Losing weight without trying
- Nausea
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms that worry you.
Reasons
Gallbladder, liver, and bile duct
Gallbladder and bile duct
It’s not clear what causes gallbladder cancer.
Doctors know that gallbladder cancer occurs when healthy gallbladder cells develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. These mutations cause cells to grow out of control and continue to live when other cells would normally die. The deposited cells form a tumor that can grow beyond the gallbladder and spread to other parts of the body.
Most gallbladder cancers start in the glandular cells lining the lining of the gallbladder. Gallbladder cancer that begins in this type of cell is called adenocarcinoma. This term refers to how cancer cells look when examined under a microscope.
Risk factors
Factors that can increase the risk of gallbladder cancer include:
- Your gender. Gallbladder cancer is more common in women.
- Your age. Your risk of gallbladder cancer increases as you age.
- Gallstone history. Gallbladder cancer is more common in people who have had gallstones in the past. Still, gallbladder cancer is very rare in these people.
- Other gall bladder diseases and disorders. Other gallbladder conditions that can increase the risk of gallbladder cancer include gallbladder polyps and chronic gallbladder infection.
