Description

Gallbladder Cancer Overview Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that begins in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver that stores bile. Early stages often present with no symptoms, making it difficult to detect until advanced stages. --- Key Facts Rarity: Gallbladder cancer is uncommon but more prevalent in certain parts of the world (e.g., South America, Northern India). Common Type: The most common form is adenocarcinoma, which arises from the glandular cells lining the gallbladder. Prognosis: Generally poor unless caught early; early-stage tumors that are surgically removed have the best outcomes. --- Risk Factors Gallstones: The most significant risk factor; long-standing gallstones can cause chronic inflammation. Porcelain gallbladder: Calcification of the gallbladder wall due to chronic inflammation. Female gender: Women are more commonly affected. Age: Typically diagnosed in people over 65. Obesity and certain infections (like Salmonella typhi) may increase risk. Ethnicity and geography: Higher rates in people of Native American, South American, and Southeast Asian descent. --- Symptoms Often nonspecific and may include: Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant Nausea and vomiting Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) Unexplained weight loss Fever --- Diagnosis Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) Biopsy: Often performed if a suspicious mass is found. Blood tests: May show liver dysfunction or elevated tumor markers (e.g., CEA, CA 19-9) --- Staging Gallbladder cancer is staged from I to IV: Stage I: Localized to gallbladder lining Stage II: Invades deeper into the muscle or surrounding tissue Stage III: Spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes Stage IV: Distant metastasis (e.g., liver, peritoneum) --- Treatment Options Surgery: Only curative option. May involve cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder) and parts of liver or bile ducts. Chemotherapy: Common drugs include gemcitabine and cisplatin. Radiation therapy: Often used for symptom control or postoperatively. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Emerging options for advanced disease. --- Prognosis Early detection offers the best chance for cure. Late-stage gallbladder cancer has a poor prognosis, with median survival often less than 1 year in stage IV. --- Prevention and Monitoring Cholecystectomy in high-risk individuals (e.g., with porcelain gallbladder) Regular monitoring in patients with gallbladder polyps or large gallstones Healthy lifestyle and weight management