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What is gallbladder cancer? — Gallbladder cancer happens when normal cells in the gallbladder change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that is tucked under the liver (figure 1). The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid that is made in the liver and helps the body break down fat.
Most people with gallbladder cancer have or have had another gallbladder condition called "gallstones." Gallstones are small stones that form inside the gallbladder and can irritate its inner lining.
What are the symptoms of gallbladder cancer? — Early on, gallbladder cancer might not cause any symptoms. In many cases, gallbladder cancer is found unexpectedly when:
●A doctor takes out the gallbladder to treat symptoms that are thought to be caused by gallstones. (Gallstones can cause symptoms similar to those of gallbladder cancer.)
●A doctor does imaging tests of the belly for another reason. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body.
When gallbladder cancer causes symptoms, they can include:
●Belly pain, especially in the upper right side or upper middle part of the belly
●Loss of appetite
●Nausea or vomiting
●Weight loss
●Jaundice, which is when the skin and white part of the eye turn yellow
All of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not gallbladder cancer. But if you have these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse.
Is there a test for gallbladder cancer? — Yes. To check for gallbladder cancer, your doctor will do an imaging test. Imaging tests can include an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.
What is cancer staging? — Cancer staging is a way in which doctors find out if a cancer has spread past the layer of tissue where it began, and, if so, how far.
The right treatment for you will depend a lot on the stage of your gallbladder cancer and your other medical problems.
How is gallbladder cancer treated? — Gallbladder cancer is usually treated with 1 or more of the following:
●Surgery
●Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is the medical term for medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
●Radiation therapy – Radiation kills cancer cells.
Gallbladder cancer can sometimes be cured with treatment. This is most likely when the cancer is found at an early stage. But, often, gallbladder cancer is not found at an early stage. If your gallbladder cancer cannot be cured, your doctor can do other treatments to help with your pain, jaundice, or other symptoms.
What happens after treatment? — After treatment, your doctor will check you every so often to see if the cancer comes back. Follow-up tests usually include imaging tests.
You should also watch for the symptoms listed above. Having those symptoms could mean your gallbladder cancer has come back. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any symptoms.
What happens if my gallbladder cancer comes back or spreads? — If your gallbladder cancer comes back or spreads, you might have more radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both.
What else should I do? — It's important to follow all of your doctor's instructions about visits and tests. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any side effects or problems you have during treatment.
Getting treated for gallbladder cancer involves making many choices, such as what treatment to have. Always let your doctors and nurses know how you feel about a treatment. Any time you are offered a treatment, ask:
●What are the benefits of this treatment? Is it likely to help me live longer? Will it reduce or prevent symptoms?
●What are the downsides to this treatment?
●Are there other options besides this treatment?
●What happens if I do not have this treatment?
Patient education: Gallstones (The Basics)
Patient education: Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) (The Basics)
Patient education: Jaundice in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Radiation therapy (The Basics)
Patient education: Managing pain when you have cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: When your cancer treatment makes you tired (The Basics)
Patient education: Managing loss of appetite and weight loss with cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting with cancer treatment (The Basics)
Patient education: Hair loss from cancer treatment (The Basics)
Patient education: Medical care during advanced illness (The Basics)
