A number of different symptoms can indicate the presence of gallbladder cancer, though these are most often found during the later stages. Symptoms of gallbladder cancer may not be very obvious and you may be mistaken for having a different illness. However, if you experience the following symptoms you should immediately visit a physician. The most common symptom is a nagging pain in the upper right abdomen.
A doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder. While this surgery may seem invasive, it is the only way to ensure that the disease is treated successfully. If the cancer has spread to distant organs, it may be referred to as Stage IIIA. Fortunately, this type of cancer is relatively rare. While there are some risk factors that you must keep in mind, it is still important to seek the help of a physician as soon as you notice any of the signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer.
Abdominal pain is a common Gallbladder Cancer symptom, although it may not be apparent at the time. If you’re experiencing pain in your upper right abdominal area, your gallbladder may be enlarged. The pain may be sharp or dragging, or you may feel a general lack of appetite. If your symptoms are more subtle, your doctor may suggest that you’re experiencing a less serious condition.
Your doctor will order blood tests to assess the extent of the disease. A full blood count and liver function tests may be necessary to rule out gallbladder cancer. Your doctor may also perform an ultrasound scan or an MRI. Diagnostic laparoscopy involves inserting a thin camera into your abdomen and using it to examine your internal organs. A cholangiogram may be necessary to see whether there are any signs of obstruction in the bile duct, and if this is the case, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove it.
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A gallbladder tumor may also cause yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes. Because the gallbladder tumor blocks the bile ducts, bilirubin in the blood can build up and settle in various areas of the body. If left untreated, this cancer can spread to other organs and tissues near the gallbladder. The tumor can also manifest as lumps on the right side of your belly.
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The presence of a tumor in the gallbladder is a sure sign of a condition called gallbladder cancer. Gallstones are a risk factor for gallbladder cancer, but there is no way to tell for sure unless you have symptoms. In most cases, gallbladder cancer is curable if detected early. However, because it is rare, symptoms are difficult to detect.
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It’s important to note that bile duct cancer can start anywhere in the bile duct, including the outer portion. Those with chronic long-term infection and family history are also at a greater risk of developing the disease. Although gallbladder cancer symptoms rarely develop until the disease is advanced, the disease can be fatal if not treated early. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to visit a doctor immediately to ensure that the cancer has not spread to other organs or lymph nodes.
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Once diagnosed, a doctor will use a biopsy to determine the exact stage of gallbladder cancer. Depending on how far the disease has spread, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. In cases where surgery is not an option, palliative care can be used. If there are other symptoms associated with gallbladder cancer, they will most likely be the result of another health condition.
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An ultrasound is another test that can be done to determine the extent of the cancer. Using sound waves instead of radiation, ultrasounds can detect abnormal areas in the gallbladder and in other organs near it. These abnormal areas are also known as distal bile duct tumors, which form in the area where the bile duct empties into the small intestine. These tumors are typically staged from 0 to IV and are also divided into localized and unresectable forms.
