Early Warning Signs of Gallbladder Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore!

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Health is frequently taken for granted, unless it is threatened. Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon condition that typically goes undiagnosed until it grows to an advanced stage. Many people are unaware of the presence of gallbladder cancer until they experience pain from inflammation or stones. Its modest symptoms can easily be considered as other intestinal problems, making early detection difficult yet crucial. This blog will cover every aspect of gallbladder cancer, including risk factors, causes, diagnosis techniques, and available treatments, to help you stay informed and protect your health.  

What is Gallbladder Cancer?

Gallbladder cancer, also known as Gallbladder Carcinoma, is a rare disease that develops when abnormal cells in the gallbladder keep growing and form a tumour. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just below the liver on the right side of the abdomen. It holds bile, a substance the liver utilises to digest food. Gallbladder cancer starts in the mucosal layer, the deepest layer of your gallbladder, and then spreads to the outer layer. 

Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is difficult to diagnose in its early stages since it typically does not create symptoms. Symptoms often resemble other illnesses, like gallstones or a bile duct blockage. Some of the gallbladder carcinoma symptoms are: 

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Upper-right abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea (feeling uneasy)
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Lumps in the abdomen
• Enlargement of the gallbladder
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling of the abdomen

Gallbladder Cancer Causes & Risk Factors 

Gallbladder cancer usually develops silently with unidentified causes. However, various risk factors have been discovered that may lead to the development of gallbladder carcinoma. Understanding the risk factors listed below can assist in identifying high-risk individuals and implementing preventive measures. Some of the causes and risk factors are:

• Gallstones - These are the stone-like substances created by increased bilirubin and cholesterol excretion, and they are the leading risk factor for gallbladder cancer.
• Family History - People with a family history of gallbladder cancer are at a higher risk of getting a gallbladder tumour. 
• Chronic Inflammation - Gallstones and other infections may lead to chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, which may damage the cells lining the gallbladder and cause cancer to grow.
• Obesity - Being overweight can increase cholesterol, which may block the bile ducts. This may increase the risk of having gallstones, which could lead to gallbladder carcinoma.
• Rapid Weight Loss - Rapid weight loss causes your liver to produce excess cholesterol in the bile, which can increase the production of gallstones.
• Diet - Following a high-fat diet, particularly one high in sugar and cholesterol, raises the risk of gallstones and chronic inflammation.
• Gender & Age - The average age at which gallbladder cancer is diagnosed is around 72 years, and the risk increases significantly at the age of 60. However, the disease seems to affect women more often than men.
• Bacterial Infections - Some infections, such as Salmonella typhoid, have been linked to an increased risk of growing gallbladder tumours due to their role in chronic inflammation. Diabetes is another factor that is considered to contribute to gallbladder cancer.
• Porcelain Gallbladder - The inner wall of the gallbladder is covered in calcium deposits in this condition, which is also related to an increased risk of gallbladder tumour.

What are the Stages of Gallbladder Cancer?

Gallbladder cancer progresses through several stages, each of which indicates how far the cancer has spread to nearby organs or beyond the gallbladder. The more advanced the stage, the more deeply the cancer has spread throughout your body. The gallbladder cancer staging is as follows:

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ) - In this stage, the cancer is restricted, and abnormal cells are often found in the gallbladder's inner lining (mucosa). These abnormal cells can potentially develop into cancer and attack adjacent healthy tissue.
• Stage I - In this stage, the cancerous tissues have made it through the mucosa, the inner layer of the gallbladder wall, and may have reached the muscular layer of the gallbladder.
• Stage II - In this stage, the cancer has spread from the muscle layer to the connective tissue layer of the gallbladder wall on either the gallbladder's side or the same side of the liver (but not near the liver).
• Stage III - In this stage, the cancer has reached the gallbladder wall. It may have affected the liver, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, serosa (the tissue covering the gallbladder), or bile ducts outside the liver.
• Stage IV - In this stage, the cancer has spread to two or more organs, such as the portal vein, liver, lymph nodes, or blood vessels far from your gallbladder.

How is Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing gallbladder carcinoma can be difficult, as its initial signs resemble common diseases such as gallstones and indigestion. Gallbladder cancer staging is a procedure that uses gallbladder imaging, which helps detect the cancer stage. Some of the methods used to diagnose gallbladder cancer may include:

• Lab Tests - To identify substances in your blood that could be signs of cancer, the doctor may ask you to undergo tests such as the CA 19-9 assay, the liver function test, and the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay.  
• Abdominal Ultrasound - This noninvasive diagnostic uses sound waves to create pictures of the gallbladder and surrounding tissues. It helps detect thickening of the gallbladder wall, which might indicate cancer. 
• CT Scan - This type of X-ray produces precise cross-sectional images of the gallbladder and adjacent organs, such as the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, taken from various angles. 
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - This process creates detailed pictures of areas inside the body using a magnet, radio waves, and a computer. It helps visualise the gallbladder and its surrounding tissues, which helps determine the cancer stage.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound - To obtain detailed photographs of the gallbladder and surrounding tissues, the endoscope—a tube-like device with a light and a lens—is inserted into the digestive tract through the mouth or rectum.
• Laparoscopy - A surgical technique in which the gallbladder and surrounding tissues are examined by inserting a thin, illuminated tube into the abdomen. 
• Biopsy - If cancer is confirmed, a biopsy may be conducted, which includes removing a tiny tissue sample from the gallbladder or adjacent lymph nodes and examining it under a microscope.

Gallbladder Cancer Treatments

Treatment for gallbladder cancer depends upon the patient's general health and the stage of the disease. Surgery can cure gallbladder cancer in its early stages, but a combination of treatments is needed to control symptoms and reduce the spread of the cancer in its advanced stages. Some of the gallbladder cancer treatments might include the following:

• Surgery - This is the primary treatment option for early-stage gallbladder tumours; it involves removing the gallbladder and, in some cases, surrounding tissues. 
• Chemotherapy - This treatment includes anti-cancer drugs, which destroy or slow down the growth of cancer cells, particularly in the advanced stage.
• Radiation Therapy - This treatment uses High-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells; it is frequently employed after surgery or when surgery is not feasible.
• Targeted therapy - This treatment uses medicines or chemical substances to identify and kill specific cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy - This cancer treatment targets cancer cells by utilising the body's immune system. It increases or enhances the immune system's capacity to identify and fight cancer. 

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One Step Ahead Can Save a Life!

Gallbladder cancer is uncommon, yet it can be a silent killer if not diagnosed early. Keeping up with its symptoms is essential because spotting them early could make all the difference. So, instead of waiting for the warning bell, be aware and informed, and take control of your health with regular checks. After all, every second counts and decisions matter when it comes to your health.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.