Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that strikes the biliary tract. The gallbladder is used to contain bile, a fluid made by the liver that is used in digestion. Usually, gallbladder cancer has no symptoms in the earliest stages, so it is often diagnosed only when the disease is in its later stages. In most situations, the gallbladder is removed but it may be too late to stop the spread of cancerous cells in more advanced cases.

Common Symptoms

• People with gallbladder cancer are usually asymptomatic until the disease has progressed into a more advanced stage. The most common symptom in this situation is pain in the abdomen. This pain is located in the upper right-hand side of the belly in most cases. If the tumor is blocking the bile duct, nausea and vomiting are also common. Since the tumor can also get in the way of food in the digestive tract or block its absorption, patients also lose weight and appetites.

Jaundice

• Gallbladder cancer can also cause jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the pigmentation of the skin and eyes. Jaundice occurs when the levels of bilirubin, the breaking down of red cells, are too high in the blood. A blocked bile duct can prevent the bilirubin from being processed by the liver as normal. It is also possible jaundice will change the color of urine and stool as well.

Symptoms of Bile Duct Cancer

• While jaundice is a common symptom of bile duct cancer, an enlarged gallbladder and itchy skin are also common. When bile is blocked by a tumor, bile salts can become left off on the skin and cause itching called pruritis. A gallbladder can become enlarged when too much bile collects within. Usually, an enlarged bladder is picked up by an ultrasound exam.

Risk Factors

• Gallstones, deposits of calcium or cholesterol, are the most common risk factor. Most people with gallbladder cancer have gallstones, which slow down the release of bile and can lead to toxins in the gallbladder. Most people who develop gallbladder cancer are older, mainly in their 70s. Women are more likely to develop this type of cancer than men. Diets that lack fiber but are high in carbohydrates can also lead to gallbladder cancer.

Complications

• Two major complications of gallbladder cancer are malabsorption and metastasis. If the tumor presses against the small intestine, it can keep food and enzymes from properly entering the duodenum. Since the nutrients are not being properly absorbed, it can cause malnutrition. Also, the gallbladder is near many other major organs. If the cancer spreads, it is likely to affect nearby, vital organs and can cause death. This is a serious risk since gallbladder detection usually doesn't come until later stages.