What is gallbladder cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon but serious disease that starts in the cells of the gallbladder—a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. It often doesn’t cause symptoms in early stages, which means it may go unnoticed until it has progressed or been found during imaging or surgery for another issue.
Causes of gallbladder cancer
- Gallbladder cancer begins when cells in the gallbladder grow out of control. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but some known factors contribute to its development.
- Long-standing inflammation of the gallbladder (chronic cholecystitis)
- Gallstones, especially large ones that have been present for years
- Polyps in the gallbladder, which may become cancerous
- Abnormalities in bile ducts or gallbladder structure
- Infections, like those caused by salmonella or certain parasites
Risk factors for gallbladder cancer
Some people are more likely to develop gallbladder cancer based on age, gender or medical history.
- Being female—women are affected more often than men
- Age over 65
- A history of gallstones or chronic gallbladder disease
- Obesity or a high-fat die
- Family history of gallbladder or bile duct cancers
- Smoking or exposure to certain industrial chemicals
Symptoms of gallbladder cancer
Early signs can be subtle or mistaken for other digestive problems. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticeable.
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness
Diagnosing gallbladder cancer
Diagnosis usually involves imaging and lab tests to detect abnormalities, and sometimes requires surgery to confirm.
- Ultrasound or CT scan to examine the gallbladder
- MRI or MRCP to view bile ducts and nearby organs
- Blood tests to check liver function and cancer markers
- Biopsy during surgery or imaging-guided procedure
- Endoscopic tests like ERCP to evaluate bile ducts
Treatment of gallbladder cancer
Treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread and the patient's overall health.
- Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)
- Extended surgery to remove parts of the liver or bile ducts if cancer has spread
- Chemotherapy to slow or shrink advanced disease
- Radiation therapy for symptom relief or to target remaining cancer cells
- Palliative care to manage pain and improve quality of life
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