What is gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer starts in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ that lies beneath the liver, on the right upper abdomen. The gallbladder is responsible for storing bile, which is produced by the liver to help digest fat. Gallbladder cancer is pretty uncommon.

If is it found early, there is a good chance to be cured. However, most gallbladder cancers are found late due to the difficulty in diagnosing it. This is because there are no signs or symptoms of gallbladder cancer when the disease is in its early stages. It is often discovered when the gallbladder is being checked for gallstones or is being removed.

The signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer may include abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right portion of the abdomen, abdominal bloating, itchiness, fever, loss of appetite, losing weight without trying, nausea, or jaundice; a yellowing of the skin and eyes.  

Risk factors for gallbladder cancer:

• Family history. A family history of gallbladder cancer slightly increases a person’s risk of developing gallbladder cancer.
• Age. Gallbladder cancer is most commonly diagnosed among people who are older than 70.
• Gender. Women are about twice as likely to develop gallbladder cancer as men.
• Gallstones. Most common risk factor for gallbladder cancer and the most common digestive disease in the United States. Between 75% and 90% of people with gallbladder cancer have a history of gallstones. However, it is much less common for people with gallstones to develop gallbladder cancer.
• Gallbladder polyps. A growth that sometimes forms when small gallstones get embedded in the gallbladder wall. Some may be caused by inflammation. It is recommended that the gallbladder be removed if polyps are larger than one centimeter because these are more likely to be cancerous.
• Ethnicity. Mexican Americans and Native Americans, particularly in the southwestern United States, are more likely to develop gallbladder cancer compared to people of other ethnicities.
• Smoking. Tobacco use may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

There are various tests and procedures that may be used to diagnose gallbladder cancer. These include blood tests which are done to evaluate liver function and determine what is causing certain signs or symptoms. They may also include imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.

Once gallbladder cancer has been diagnosed, the doctor will perform additional tests and procedures to determine the extent and stage of the cancer. This may include a laparoscopy, which is a type of surgery that allows the surgeon to look inside the abdomen for signs of gallbladder cancer metastasis. Other tests may include tests to examine the bile ducts or imaging tests such as a CT scan of the chest or abdomen, ultrasonography, MRI of the liver, or PET scan.