Gallbladder Symptoms & Treatment

The gallbladder is a tiny pouch behind the liver that stores bile--the enzyme-containing juices produced by the liver that help to digest fats. The most common gallbladder problem is the formation of calcified cholesterol or bile salts called gallstones. They can block the bile duct, causing inflammation and infection, as well as increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of gallstones or gallbladder cancer include pain that radiates into the back or right shoulder, nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper abdomen especially after eating fatty foods, and gas.

Diagnosis

• An ultrasound or CT scan will determine if you do have gallstones or gallbladder cancer. They can also help to determine if cancer has spread.

Treatment

• Gallstones and gallbladder cancer are treated by removing the gallbladder and bile ducts. Chemotherapy and radiation have little effect on gallbladder cancer.

Considerations

• Because the symptoms associated with gallbladder problems can be the same as those of other health conditions, including heart attack, it is especially important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Warning

• Gallstones that are not treated can block the bile ducts and cause infection. In severe untreated cases, liver damage can occur as bile backflows into the liver and destroys liver tissues.