Answers
What are the signs of gallbladder cancer?
Short answer
Gallbladder cancer is more common in North and North-East India, especially along the Gangetic plains, and in women. Long-standing gallstones are the main risk factor. It often causes no symptoms early, so it may be found late. Removing gallstones that cause symptoms, and checking polyps and a thick gallbladder wall, help find it early or prevent it.
Warning signs
Sometimes it is found by chance when a gallbladder removed for stones is examined under the microscope.
- Pain in the upper right belly that does not go away
- Yellow eyes and skin, itching, dark urine and pale stools
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- A lump under the right ribs
Risk factors
- Gallstones, especially large stones present for many years
- Gallbladder polyps of 10 mm or more
- A 'porcelain' (calcified) gallbladder
- Being a woman, older age, and living in high-risk regions of India
- Obesity
Tests and treatment
An ultrasound, then a CT or MRI scan, shows the gallbladder, liver and nearby lymph nodes. A sample (biopsy), sometimes by EUS, confirms the diagnosis. Early cancers are treated with surgery that removes the gallbladder with part of the liver and nearby lymph nodes. More advanced cancers are treated with chemotherapy, and a stent can relieve jaundice and itching.
Lowering the risk
- Get gallstones that cause pain treated rather than putting it off for years
- Keep follow-up for gallbladder polyps
- See a doctor early for persistent right-sided pain or jaundice
Diet and gallbladder cancer
Eat more
- Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are linked to a lower risk
- During treatment: small, frequent, protein-rich meals and nutrition drinks if advised
- Safe, filtered drinking water
Cut down
- Excess sugar, maida and fried food that lead to weight gain
- Smoking, tobacco and alcohol
- Putting off treatment of gallstones that cause pain
Good to know
- Researchers in India are studying links between gallbladder cancer and contaminants in water and food in the Gangetic plains.
- If there is jaundice or itching, a lower-fat diet may be easier to digest.
Common questions
Should everyone with gallstones have the gallbladder removed?
Not usually. Silent stones often need no surgery. In high-risk regions, doctors may advise surgery for large stones, stones with a polyp, or a thick or calcified gallbladder wall.
Is gallbladder cancer hereditary?
Mostly not. It is linked more to gallstones, region and age, though a family history adds some risk.
Can it be cured?
Yes, when found early, especially when discovered after a gallbladder removed for stones. Advanced cancers are harder to cure, but treatment can control symptoms and extend life.