What is gallbladder cancer? Gallbladder cancer happens when normal cells in the gallbladder change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under the liver. It stores bile, a fluid made in the liver that helps the body break down fat.
Most people with gallbladder cancer have or have had another gallbladder condition called gallstones. Gallstones are small stones that form inside the gallbladder and can irritate its inner lining.
What are the symptoms of gallbladder cancer? Early on, gallbladder cancer might not cause any symptoms. In many cases, gallbladder cancer is found unexpectedly when:
A doctor removes the gallbladder to treat symptoms thought to be caused by gallstones. (Gallstones can cause symptoms similar to those of gallbladder cancer.)
A doctor does imaging tests of the belly for another reason. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body.
When gallbladder cancer causes symptoms, they can include:
Belly pain, especially in the upper right side or upper middle part of the belly
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
All of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not gallbladder cancer. But if you have these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse.
Is there a test for gallbladder cancer? Yes. To check for gallbladder cancer, your doctor will do an imaging test. Imaging tests can include an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.
What is cancer staging? Cancer staging is the process doctors use to find out if a cancer has spread beyond the original tissue layer where it began and, if so, how far it has spread.
The right treatment for you depends a lot on the stage of your gallbladder cancer and any other medical issues you might have.
How is gallbladder cancer treated? Gallbladder cancer is usually treated with one or more of the following:
Surgery
Chemotherapy – Medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing
Radiation therapy – Radiation that kills cancer cells
Gallbladder cancer can sometimes be cured with treatment, especially if it’s found early. However, it is often not found at an early stage. If your gallbladder cancer cannot be cured, your doctor may offer treatments to help relieve pain, jaundice, or other symptoms.
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