Understanding Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare malignancy that starts in the gallbladder, an organ located under the liver responsible for storing bile, a digestive fluid. It often goes undetected in its early stages due to its hidden location and non-specific symptoms.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer
The symptoms of gallbladder cancer can vary and may initially resemble other less severe conditions, which complicates early diagnosis. Following are the primary symptoms to watch for:
Jaundice
Pain particularly in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, which can range from a dull ache to a sharp/ severe pain
Nausea and Vomiting
Unintentional weight loss, often accompanied by a lack of appetite
Fever and chills
Abdominal lump in the stomach area may be palpable during a physical exam
Swollen abdomen
Case Study
XYZ, a 65 y/o male, visited his doctor due to a constant, dull pain in his upper right abdomen that has been bothering him for weeks. He also reports feeling feverish and has lost 10 pounds without trying. His doctor discovers a hard lump in his abdomen and orders further imaging tests. The tests reveal advanced gallbladder cancer.
Identifying the Risk Factors for Gallbladder Cancer
Following are risk factors associated with Gallbladder cancer:
Gallstones are the most prevalent risk factors, they cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to cancerous changes in the gallbladder
Women are more prone to gallbladder cancer than men
Being overweight is linked to a higher risk of gallbladder cancer
The majority of gallbladder cancer cases occur in older adults, typically those aged 65 and above
Smoking, exposure to certain industrial chemicals, and nitrosamines etc
Choledochal Cysts
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Higher rates are observed among Mexican, Latin American, and Native American populations in the US, and in countries like India, Pakistan, and certain regions of South America
Conclusion
Gallbladder cancer, though rare, poses significant challenges due to its late detection and nonspecific symptoms. Individuals experiencing symptoms or those with risk factors should seek medical advice promptly. Early detection remains the best strategy for effective treatment and better prognosis.
By Fatima Saeed Khan
Sources:
Website, N. (2024, July 5). Symptoms of gallbladder cancer. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gallbladder-cancer/symptoms/#:~:text=Gallbladder%20cancer%20may%20not%20have,and%20paler%20poo%20than%20usual
Signs of gallbladder cancer | Symptoms of gallbladder cancer. (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/gallbladder-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html
Risk factors for gallbladder cancer. (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/gallbladder-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
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