Everything You Need to Know About Gallbladder Cancer

The gallbladder in your body is typically a pear-shaped organ located right below your liver. It stores bile, a digestive fluid made by your liver to help break down fats. Your gallbladder has three main layers of tissue, namely, an inner mucosa, a middle layer of smooth muscle called the muscularis, and an outer layer called the serosa. Nowadays, the incidence of gallbladder cancer is on the rise. In this blog, we will discuss all the important details that you should know about gallbladder cancer.

What is Gallbladder Cancer?

This type of cancer germinates when normal cells in your gallbladder begin to multiply uncontrollably, leading to the emergence of a tumour. This tumour's growth can take two paths: a malignant tumour that can infiltrate surrounding areas of your body or a benign tumour that grows but stays confined in a particular part of your gallbladder without spreading further. Note that irrespective of the type of gallbladder cancer, it starts in the inner layer of your gallbladder and then spreads outward as it grows.

Causes of Gallbladder Cancer

The question of what causes gallbladder cancer still remains a mystery among scientists. While the exact causes of most cases are still unclear, certain recognisable factors have been identified as potential risks.

Remember, different types of gallbladder cancer are tied to different risk factors. Having one or even a few of these factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll definitely get that type of cancer. They simply act as potential signs that might make you more vulnerable.

Risk Factors Associated with Gallbladder Cancer

The following are some of the most common risk factors associated with gallbladder cancer -

1. Gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder, scientifically referred to as cholecystitis, are the most prominent risk factors for gallbladder cancer. Gallstones, resembling solid pebbles, form within your gallbladder, primarily composed of cholesterol and other substances present in bile. If you have a history of gallbladder conditions, especially gallstones, your risk of cancer is approximately five times higher compared to those without such conditions. Most cases involving inflamed gallbladders or gallstones do not progress to cancer.
2. As you age, your risk of developing gallbladder cancer increases, particularly if your age range falls between 85 and 89.
3. If you have a family history of gallbladder cancer, your risk of developing the condition is multiplied by five compared to those without such a familial background. However, due to the rarity of the cancer type, the increased risk associated with a family predisposition remains relatively minor.
4. Gallbladder cancer happens to be more prevalent among females than males, with 71% of diagnosed cases occurring in women. This gender difference is a notable characteristic of the disease.
5. Ionising radiation used in medical scans like X-rays and CT scans increases your risk of cancer.
6. If you have diabetes or a history of heavy alcohol consumption, your risk of gallbladder cancer is elevated. Note that these factors are not direct factors of what cause gallbladder cancer, but they can adversely aggravate your condition.
7. If you smoke, your risk of cancer is heightened, and being overweight or obese also increases your susceptibility to this type of cancer. Excess weight induces hormonal changes, particularly in women, potentially explaining the heightened risk.
8. Porcelain gallbladder, a consequence of persistent inflammation leading to calcium buildup on the inner wall of your gallbladder, is linked to an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. If you frequently experience inflamed gallbladders, you may be at risk of developing this type of cancer, and thus your doctor might recommend surgical removal of your gallbladder.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

The following are some of the commonly known symptoms of gallbladder cancer.

In the early stages of cancer, you might not experience any symptoms. As the cancer advances, symptoms tend to appear later. Some of them are -

• You might experience nausea and vomiting.
• Watch out for signs of jaundice, like yellowing of your skin and eyes, itching, dark urine, and pale stools, as it could be caused by blocked bile flow.
• You may start feeling discomfort on your right side, almost like a dragging sensation.
• Enlargement of your gallbladder due to blocked bile ducts might be noticeable during a physical exam or ultrasound.
• If cancer or gallstones block your bile ducts, the pain could become more intense.

Less common symptoms you could experience include

• swelling in your abdomen,
• loss of appetite,
• unexplained weight loss.

How is Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosed?

When it comes to detecting gallbladder cancer, a variety of diagnostic tests are utilised. It is important to note that the choice of tests depends on your unique circumstances. Your doctor takes several factors into account when deciding on a diagnostic plan. These factors include

• the types of gallbladder cancer suspected,
• the signs and symptoms you're experiencing,
• your age,
• overall health,
• the results of any previous medical tests.

Among the tests available, a biopsy is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small piece of your gallbladder tissue is removed for microscopic examination.

Laparoscopy is a procedure where an endoscope is inserted through a small incision in your abdomen to observe your gallbladder and internal organs. Blood samples may be taken to check for elevated levels of substances like bilirubin, which can increase due to tumour-related bile duct blockages.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilises magnetic fields to create detailed images without X-rays. MRI can detect tumour spread and size, and MRI cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is specifically tailored for examining the gallbladder.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, often combined with CT scans, generate images of your bodily tissues. A slightly radioactive sugar substance is injected, which is absorbed by cells with high energy consumption, such as cancer cells. The emitted signals create images of your body's interior.

Another method is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). During an ERCP, a doctor inserts an endoscope through your mouth to view the inside of your body. X-rays are taken after injecting dye into your bile ducts to identify potential tumours. ERCP can help detect the cancer if it has spread and blocked the bile ducts.

Ultrasound employs sound waves to visualise your internal organs. Tumours produce unique echoes, making their identification possible.

Imaging techniques such as CT scans use X-rays from various angles to create detailed 3D images, aiding in measuring tumour size. Contrast dye may be used to enhance image clarity.

How is Gallbladder Cancer Treated?

The treatment options available for diagnosed gallbladder cancer depend primarily on the stage of your cancer, your overall health, and your preferences. The main goal of the treatment is typically to eliminate cancer, but there are other methods to manage the progression of the disease and improve your comfort.

If you have early-stage gallbladder cancer, your doctor may consider surgical treatments as the following.

If complete removal of the gallbladder is possible, additional treatment might not be needed. However, if there's a concern about remaining cancer cells, your doctor may suggest chemotherapy or other options.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to target fast-growing cancer cells. This treatment can be given through veins or in radiation form, either alone or in combination. It also includes radiation therapy involving powerful energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to destroy cancer cells. The energy source revolves around you as you lie on a table during the procedure.

If complete surgical removal of the cancer isn't possible, radiation therapy alongside chemotherapy might be used to control gallbladder cancer.

Can Gallbladder Cancer Be Prevented?

While there are no fixed ways to prevent this type of cancer, there are several strategies you can adopt to proactively reduce your cancer risk:

When it comes to alcohol, keep in mind that men should limit their intake. It is best recommended to avoid drinking, as it adversely affects your health. The same goes for tobacco as well. You know by now that excess body weight can fuel the growth of cancer by triggering inflammation and disrupting the hormonal balance in your body. To achieve weight loss, you are advised to combine regular physical activity with a nourishing diet. A good diet involves consuming plenty of plant-based foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to cut back on processed meat products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, through regular health check-ups, you can find out the symptoms of gallbladder cancer and get timely treatment. Understandably, check-ups and treatments are generally costly. This is why it is recommended to look for health insurance that covers all such needs completely. Make sure you have a robust health insurance plan in place. Treatment of gallbladder cancer, depending on its stage, can be quite expensive and also prolonged. For illnesses like cancer, you should consider buying a critical illness health insurance cover.

Cancer diagnosis typically involves a range of tests, with biopsy serving as the gold standard. Cancer treatment options generally depend on the cancer stage and the patient's health. Even though the exact causes of gallbladder cancer are not fully understood, factors like age and lifestyle choices can make you more susceptible. Thus, it is important to have a healthy lifestyle to significantly diminish risks along with buying a comprehensive health insurance policy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

Related Articles:

• Gallbladder Cancer Treatment: Options & Procedures
• Causes of Gallbladder Cancer: Unraveling the Complex Origins of a Silent Threat
• Causes of Penile Cancer: Uncovering the Factors Behind This Rare Condition
• Causes of Urethral Cancer: Unraveling the Origins of a Rare Disease
• Causes of Uterine Cancer: Unraveling the Complex Origins of a Silent Threat