Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms

The Gallbladder may develop tumors that are either benign or malignant. Gallbladder cancer is considered fairly uncommon; and mostly occurs in the elderly. Women are more liable to develop Gallbladder cancer, compared to men.

Invariably, the cancer starts in the innermost layer of the wall of the organ. The cause is not very clear; research says, mutation of the DNA of the cells results in malignancy.

Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms

The following are the clinically seen Gallbladder cancer symptoms:

• Jaundice is a very common symptom; the skin shows yellow discoloration, urine turns dark yellow and stools become pale. The patient also complains of itching.

• Nausea and vomiting are principle Gallbladder cancer symptoms, and occur because of an obstruction of the bile duct, which impedes the flow of bile. A blockage causes the Gallbladder to enlarge, given that, bile accumulates in the organ.

• Pain in the abdomen, usually, the right side occurs.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss are common Gallbladder symptoms too.
• Fatigue and prostration are marked.
• The patient develops excessive bloating and flatulence as well
• Occasionally, fever may be one of the Gallbladder cancer symptoms.

Diagnosing Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms

Blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, trans-abdominal ultrasound, MR cholangio-pancreatography, and liver function tests are carried out for the diagnosis.

Early diagnosis of the cancer influences the course of treatment and considerably improves the prognosis.

Gallbladder Cancer Treatment

The treatment depends up on the stage of the cancer, the health status and age of the patient, and his preferences. The principle objective of the treatment regimen is to remove the organ; also, it is important to check a spread to the neighboring areas.

Surgery for Early Stage Gallbladder Cancer

• Cancer that is limited to the organ is treated with cholecystectomy or removal of the Gallbladder.
• Sometimes, along with the Gallbladder, some part of the liver is excised as well.
• Research says that, opting for chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of both, after a successful surgery helps ward off a recurrence. Thus, surgeons recommend patients to go in for these.

Treatments for Late Stage Gallbladder Cancer

When the cancer gall has extended beyond the organ, surgery alone can not bring about complete management. For that reason, surgeons use treatments that may assuage the symptoms of cancer effectively. Other treatment options are:

• Chemotherapy: comprising of drug treatment that destroys the malignant cells.
• Radiation therapy: it makes use of high powered beams of energy, like X-rays, to annihilate the tumor cells.

• Procedures may be conducted to open up blockages of the bile duct. Advanced cases of cancer cause blocks in the bile duct, producing a host of complications. To mange such case, the surgeon puts a stent / a hollow metal tube in the duct to hold it open or may redirect the bile duct around the block: this procedure is called a biliary bypass.