Contents
In this article, we will take a look at:
- What is Gallbladder cancer?
- How does Gallbladder cancer occur?
- Who is prone to Gallbladder cancer?
- Symptoms of Gallbladder cancer
- Diagnosis of Gallbladder cancer
- Complications of a Gallbladder cancer
- Treatment for Gallbladder cancer
You can click on any of the links above to navigate to the section of your interest.
What is Gallbladder cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the gallbladder. It occurs when healthy cells in the gallbladder change, showing abnormal growth while forming a tumor. Gallbladder cancers are rare. Most gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinomas that start within the gland.
Papillary adenocarcinoma is a rare type of gallbladder cancer where cells grow in a fibre like projection. This type of cancer is less likely to spread to the nearby lymph nodes or liver. Other rare types of cancer that can start in the gallbladder are squamous cell carcinomas, adenosquamous carcinomas, and carcinosarcomas.
How does Gallbladder cancer occur?
Like any other type of cancer, gallbladder cancer is a result of cell mutation in the DNA. The mutations lead to abnormal growth of cells. These cells continue to live longer than they are expected. This accumulation of the cells results in the formation of a tumor that can grow beyond the gallbladder and begin to spread to other areas.
Gallbladder cancer can be classified into primarily four stages:
Stage 0: a cancerous tumor is in pre-invasive form and its spread is confined.
Stage I: a tumor remains in the gallbladder without spreading.
Stage II: a tumor extends to the perimuscular connective tissue without spreading anywhere else.
Stage III: a tumor spreads beyond the gallbladder to the adjacent lymph nodes without spreading into any veins or arteries.
Stage IV: a tumor has spread to other parts of the body along with the lymph nodes.
Who is prone to Gallbladder cancer?
The risk factors for gallbladder cancer are:
- Gallstones
- Porcelain gallbladder
- Obesity
- Old age
- Choledochal
- Cysts
- Abnormalities of bile ducts
- Gallbladder sclerosing cholangitis
- Typhoid
- Smoking
- Exposure to chemicals or nitrosamines
Women have a higher risk of developing gallbladder cancer in comparison to men.
What are the Symptoms of Gallbladder cancers? How is Gallbladder cancer diagnosed?
The signs and symptoms of Gallbladder cancers:
- Abdominal pain in the upper right portion
- Abdominal bloating
- Lump in abdomen
- Lose of weight Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the white portion of the eyes)
- Nausea
Diagnosis of gallbladder cancer
A biopsy is commonly done to diagnose cancer, where a small amount of tissue is removed for microscopic analysis.
A biopsy is performed during a surgery, or through laparoscopy. Some other procedures used to diagnose gallbladder cancer are ERCP, Percutaneous Cholangiography, CT or CAT scan MRI, Blood test, Endoscopic Ultrasonography, and PET or PET- CT scan.
What are the Complications of a Gallbladder cancer?
Early diagnosis of gallbladder cancer can make treatment effective. However, as the stages progress, cancer becomes fatal.
Some complications that might occur include:
- Intense abdominal pain
- High fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion
What is the Treatment for Gallbladder cancer?
The treatment for gallbladder cancer depends on its stage and the overall health. In the earlier stages, surgery can be an option to remove the gallbladder and/or a portion of the liver (if required). Your doctor might recommend radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy after the surgery.
In the later stages, when cancer has already spread to other areas of the body it is no longer curable. However, doctors provide treatment for signs and symptoms of cancer to offer you some relief. The options may include treatment and procedures such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and some clinical trials.
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