Gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Cancer Cancer types in adults Gallbladder cancer Gallbladder cancer Gallbladder cancer is very rare. There are a number of different types of gallbladder cancer,depending on the cells affected. Over 85% of gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinoma, which means thecancerstarted in the gland cells lining the gallbladder. Cancer that starts in the skin-like cells that line the gallbladder is known as squamous cell cancer. The Cancer Research UK website has more information about thedifferent types of gallbladder cancer . Cancer of the gallbladder is more common in women than men, with around 7 out of 10 cases diagnosed in women. Its also more common in older people, particularly those over 70 years of age. The gallbladder The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ thats located underneath the liver. Its main purpose is to store and concentrate bile. Bile is a liquid produced by the liver that helps to digest fats. It passes from the liver through a series of channels (bile ducts) into the gallbladder, where its stored. Over time, bile becomes more concentrated, which makes it better at digesting fats. The gallbladder releases bile into the digestive system when its needed. The gallbladder is a useful but not essential organ, which can be safely removed without interfering with your ability to digest food. Symptoms of gallbladder cancer In the early stages, gallbladder cancer doesnt cause symptoms, whichmeans it could be at an advanced stage by the time its diagnosed. Symptoms that occur at a later stage can include: abdominal (stomach) pain feeling sick jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) These symptoms could be linked toa number of conditions and may not be related to gallbladder cancer. However,if you have these symptoms, you should speak to your GP so they can investigate whats causing them. Other possible symptoms of gallbladder cancer can include loss of appetite, unexplained weight lossand a swollen stomach. What causes gallbladder cancer? In gallbladder cancer, abnormal cells grow within the gallbladder. Its not known why this happens, but certain things are thought to increase your chances of developing the condition. Gallbladder cancer is more common in older people, and your chances of developing it increase with age. Lifestyle factors  such as obesity , smoking and an unhealthy diet  are believed to increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. However, theres not enough evidence to show a firm link between diet and gallbladder cancer. There are also a number of conditions that can increase your chances of developing gallbladder cancer. For example, gallstones ,cholecystitis(inflammation of the gallbladder) and diabetes have been closely linked to the condition. If you have a family history of gallstones, cholecystitis, or gallbladder cancer, youre more likely to develop these conditions yourself. The Cancer Research UK website has more information about the risks and causes of gallbladder cancer . Diagnosing gallbladder cancer Your GP will examine you and ask about your symptoms. If they suspect gallbladder cancer, they may refer you to a specialist, usually a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specialises in conditions of the digestive system). Thespecialist will ask about your medical history and check to see whether the lymph glands in your neck and groin are swollen. You may also have some initial tests, including: blood tests an ultrasound scan a computerised tomography (CT) scan If these tests reveal anything abnormal in or around your gallbladder, further tests may be arrangedto helpconfirm whether you have gallbladder cancer. These mayinclude: an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) biopsy and fine needle aspiration (FNA) The Cancer Research UK website has more information about tests for gallbladder cancer . Treating gallbladder cancer The main treatment for gallbladder cancer is surgery to remove the gallbladder and possibly some of the surrounding tissue. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also sometimes used, either on their own or in combination with surgery. The treatment programme thats most suitable for you will depend on: the type of gallbladder cancer you have the stage of your cancer your overall level of health As with all cancers, the chances of survival depend on how far the condition has advanced when it is diagnosed. The Cancer Research UK website has more information about treatinggallbladder cancer and the stages and outlook for gallbladder cancer . Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 13 November 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. 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