Gallbladder Cancer

Symptoms often mimic common, benign conditions such as gallstones, which can delay diagnosis. Common indicators include persistent pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, bloating, and nausea. As the tumor grows or affects bile flow, patients may experience jaundice—a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes—as well as unintentional weight loss or a palpable mass in the abdomen. If you experience these symptoms, particularly if they are persistent, a thorough evaluation by a specialist is essential.

The most significant risk factor for gallbladder cancer is a history of gallstones (cholelithiasis), especially larger or long-standing ones. Other contributing factors include chronic gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), the presence of gallbladder polyps (particularly those larger than 1cm), and porcelain gallbladder—a condition where the gallbladder wall becomes calcified. Age, female gender, and certain anatomical abnormalities of the bile ducts also play a role in increasing an individual's susceptibility.

Diagnosis typically begins with an abdominal ultrasound, which is highly effective at visualizing the gallbladder and identifying wall thickening or masses. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease, cross-sectional imaging such as a CT scan or MRI/MRCP is utilized. These tests allow the surgical team to evaluate the involvement of nearby structures, such as the liver and major blood vessels. In some cases, blood tests to check for tumor markers (like CA 19-9) or a diagnostic laparoscopy may be performed to assess the extent of the disease before a definitive treatment plan is established.