Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious medical condition that affects thousands of people around the world. Gallbladder cancer affects the gall bladder – a small pouch-like organ located beneath the liver. It is usually rare but represents about 50% of total biliary tract cancer. While this type of cancer is not completely understood, research has revealed some potential causes of gallbladder cancer and its risk factors associated with increasing someone's chances of developing it - making understanding these key issues an important step for anyone wanting to learn more about this disease. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the possible causes of gall bladder cancer that can help reduce your risks of developing it.
How is Gallbladder Cancer Caused?
The exact causes of gallbladder cancer are not evident, but there are several known reasons and risk factors that contribute to the incidence of gallbladder cancer which are mentioned below:
- Gallbladder infection – Chronic infection and inflammation present one of the pre-requisite factors for gallbladder cancer. Areas with high infection rates of salmonella typhi and helicobacter have reportedly shown higher incidences of gall bladder cancer.
- Gallbladder stones – The presence of gall stones (Cholelithiasis) is another important reason for the incidence of gallbladder cancer. The chances of getting cancer increase with the size and severity of gallstone symptoms.
- Porcelain gallbladder – This is a case of the calcified gallbladder, which can significantly increase the chances of gallbladder cancer. Porcelain gallbladder can be a result of chronic cholelithiasis.
- Gallbladder diseases – Other gallbladder diseases like polyps in the gallbladder, congenital biliary cysts, and abnormal pancreaticobiliary anatomy can increase the chances of gallbladder cancer incidence.
- Family history – People with a family history of certain gallbladder diseases are prone to develop gallbladder cancer.
- Carcinogen exposure – Exposure to some carcinogens either at the workplace or through the environment, can cause gallbladder cancer. Some carcinogens causing gall bladder cancers are methyldopa, methylcellulose, isoniazid, radon, etc.
- Lifestyle factors – An unhealthy lifestyle and food habits are other known causes of gallbladder cancer. A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in refined carbohydrates is responsible for gallbladder cancer. Smoking has also been found to be linked to gallbladder cancer.
- Obesity – Obesity is another important reason for the incidence of gallbladder cancer.