If close family members have had gallbladder cancer or other gallbladder diseases, the chances of getting it may be higher. Certain genetic changes may also make some people more likely to develop this cancer.
Gallbladder Cancer
Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious disease that begins in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. It often does not show symptoms at first, making it hard to detect early. Some common signs include stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). People with gallstones or long-term infections have a higher risk of developing it. Learning about the causes, symptoms, and ways to find it early can help improve treatment. In this blog, we will explain gallbladder cancer and how to lower the risk.
What is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious disease. It happens when harmful cells start growing in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ under the liver that helps digest fat by storing bile, a special fluid. Since the gallbladder is deep inside the body, this cancer is hard to find early. Many people don’t notice symptoms until the disease has spread.
- How Common is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is not very common. It is found more often in some parts of the world, like South America and South Asia. It mostly affects older adults, especially women. Since it is usually found late, treatment can be more difficult.
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Types of Gallbladder Cancer
⦿ Adenocarcinoma – The most common type that starts in gland cells.
⦿ Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Develops from thin, flat cells inside the gallbladder.
⦿ Small Cell Carcinoma – A rare but fast-growing type.
⦿ Sarcoma – Forms in the soft tissue of the gallbladder.
Causes of Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is influenced by a variety of risk factors, some of which may be preventable or manageable.
- Gallstones and Long-Term Gallbladder Problems
Gallstones are hard clumps that form in the gallbladder. They can cause irritation and swelling, which may lead to cancer over time.
- Family History and Genetics
- Obesity and an Unhealthy Lifestyle
Being overweight can increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. Eating too much junk food and not enough healthy foods can also make the body more likely to develop this disease. A lack of exercise adds to the risk.
- Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
People who work around chemicals, like in factories that make rubber or metals, may have a greater chance of developing gallbladder cancer. These harmful substances can affect the body over time.
- Gallbladder Polyps
Gallbladder polyps are small growths inside the gallbladder. Some polyps are harmless, but if they grow larger than 1 cm, they might turn into cancer.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer often shows subtle symptoms in its early stages, which can easily be overlooked.
Ongoing Pain in the Upper Right Belly
A common early symptom is pain in the upper right side of the belly. At first, it may come and go, but over time, it can get worse and last longer.
People with gallbladder cancer often feel sick to their stomach. They may vomit or have trouble digesting fatty foods, which can cause bloating and discomfort.
Jaundice: Yellow Skin and Eyes
When bile from the liver can’t flow properly, it builds up in the body. This causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow. Jaundice is a serious warning sign and should not be ignored.
Sudden Weight Loss and No Appetite
Losing weight without trying or feeling full after eating very little can be a sign of gallbladder cancer. The body may not be absorbing nutrients properly.
Swelling or a Lump in the Belly
As the cancer grows, it can cause swelling in the stomach area. Sometimes, a lump may be felt under the skin.
Fever and General Weakness
A persistent low-grade fever, along with fatigue or a feeling of general weakness, may also indicate an underlying infection or cancer-related inflammation.
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How is Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing gallbladder cancer involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests.
- Doctor’s Check-Up and Medical History
The first step in finding gallbladder cancer is a visit to the doctor. The doctor will ask about symptoms like belly pain, swelling, or yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). They will also ask if anyone in the family has had gallbladder disease or cancer.
- Tests to See Inside the Body
Doctors use special tests to check if there is a tumor in the gallbladder:
⦿ Ultrasound – Uses sound waves to take pictures of the gallbladder.
⦿ CT Scan – A strong X-ray that shows the size and location of any tumors.
⦿ MRI – Uses magnets to take clear images of the gallbladder and nearby organs.
⦿ Biopsy: A biopsy is when doctors take a tiny piece of the gallbladder and look at it under a microscope. This test helps confirm if cancer is present.
- Blood Tests for Liver Health
Doctors may also check the blood to see how well the liver is working. High levels of certain substances could mean there is a problem in the gallbladder or liver.
Stages of Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is divided into different stages based on how much it has spread.
- Stage 0: Very Early Cancer
⦿ Cancer is only in the thin inner layer of the gallbladder.
⦿ It has not spread anywhere else.
⦿ This stage is the easiest to treat.
- Stage I: Cancer Inside the Gallbladder
⦿ Cancer is in the gallbladder wall but has not spread outside.
⦿ Surgery can usually remove all the cancer.
- Stage II: Cancer Reaching Nearby Areas
⦿ Cancer has spread deeper into the gallbladder and may have reached nearby organs like the liver or intestines.
⦿ Surgery and other treatments may be needed.
- Stage III: Cancer in Lymph Nodes
⦿ Cancer has spread to lymph nodes (small glands that help the body fight infection).
⦿ Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
- Stage IV: Cancer Spread to Other Organs
⦿ Cancer has moved to far parts of the body, like the lungs or bones.
⦿ This is the most serious stage. Treatment focuses on slowing the cancer and easing symptoms.
Treatment Options for Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health.
Surgery
If the cancer is found early, doctors may remove the gallbladder in a surgery called cholecystectomy. Sometimes, part of the liver and nearby lymph nodes are also taken out.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It is often used when the cancer has spread and surgery alone is not enough.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy sends strong energy beams to the cancer to destroy the cells. It may be used with surgery or chemotherapy to help stop the cancer from growing.
Immunotherapy
⦿ Immunotherapy helps the body’s defence system fight cancer.
⦿ Targeted drug therapy attacks only cancer cells without hurting normal cells.
Comfort Care
When cancer is very advanced, doctors focus on keeping the patient comfortable. Palliative care helps manage pain, nausea, and other symptoms to improve quality of life.
- Treatment Options and Outcomes Table
- Swipe right to view the full table
| Treatment Option | Description | Best for Stages | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery (Cholecystectomy ± Extended Resection) | Removal of the gallbladder and nearby tissues. If spread, liver resection may be needed. | Stage I-III | Best chance of cure if detected early. |
| Chemotherapy | Drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Used before/after surgery or for advanced cases. | Stage II-IV | Improves survival, but limited for advanced disease. |
| Radiation Therapy | High-energy rays to shrink tumors, often combined with chemotherapy. | Stage III-IV | May control disease, but not curative alone. |
| Targeted Therapy | Blocks cancer-specific pathways (e.g., HER2, FGFR inhibitors) for advanced cases. | Stage IV | Benefits biomarker-positive patients. |
| Immunotherapy | Enhances the immune system to attack cancer. Used in select advanced cases. | Stage IV | Improves survival in specific cases. |
| Palliative Care | Symptom relief (pain management, bile duct stenting) for incurable cases. | Stage IV (End-stage) | Improves quality of life, relieves symptoms. |
Can You Prevent Gallbladder Cancer?
There is no guaranteed way to stop gallbladder cancer from happening, but making healthy choices can lower the risk. Keeping your gallbladder in good shape can help prevent problems that might lead to cancer.
- Stay at a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can increase the chance of gallbladder problems, including cancer. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your body healthy and support your gallbladder.
- Avoid Junk Food
Eating a lot of fried or processed foods can cause gallbladder issues, like Gallstones, which may raise the risk of cancer. Instead, choose lean meats, healthy fats, and foods that are high in fiber to keep your gallbladder working well.
- Get Regular Checkups
If you have a family history of gallbladder disease or have had gallbladder problems before, regular doctor visits are important. Doctors can use tests like ultrasounds to check for any issues early.
- Take Care of Gallstones to Lower Cancer Risk
Gallstones are one of the biggest risk factors for gallbladder cancer. You can help prevent them by eating a balanced diet, exercising, and following your doctor’s advice. If gallstones cause serious problems, doctors may suggest removing the gallbladder to prevent future health risks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Written by
Dr. Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (G I cancer Surgeon)
Dr. Harsh Shah is a renowned GI and HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.
Reviewed by
Dr. Swati Shah
MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Swati Shah is a Robotic Uro and Gynecological Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.
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