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Gallbladder cancer

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Best Gallbladder cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Karol Bagh, Delhi

Introduction
Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. The gallbladder is a small sac-like organ in your body located underneath your liver. It stores bile (fluid produced by your liver). Bile helps in digesting food. Although rare, it is a very dangerous form of cancer. When discovered in the earlier stages, the chances of recovery are high. Unfortunately, most cases of gallbladder cancer are discovered in the later stages. 

About Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer develops when cancer cells start growing in your gallbladder. The outside of the gallbladder is composed of four layers of tissues. The innermost layer is the mucosal layer, followed by a layer of muscle and another layer of connective tissue.
The outer layer is called the serosal layer. Cancer starts in the inner layer i.e. mucosal layer and then spreads outwards. Most often, this cancer is discovered by chance after gallbladder surgery or in the advanced stages.

What are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer?

If you’re in the earlier stages of gallbladder cancer, there are hardly any noticeable symptoms. It is because these symptoms start appearing in the later stages when cancer gets more advanced. The symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Lumpy abdomen
  • Weight loss
  • Dark urine

What are the Causes of Gallbladder Cancer?

The exact causes of gallbladder cancer are not known yet. It is similar to other cancers in that it is also caused by a mutation in the patient’s DNA which results in the uncontrolled and explosive growth of cells.

As the cell division happens quickly, a mass or tumor starts to form. Consequently, this spreads to nearby tissues and other parts of the body if not treated quickly.

Risk factors that amplify the likelihood of gallbladder cancer are mostly connected to long-term gallbladder inflammation. These risk factors do not guarantee the occurrence of cancer, they just increase your chances of getting it.

When to See a Doctor?

Many of the symptoms of gallbladder cancer are quite common. They can be caused by various conditions. If you have some of the symptoms, it does not mean you have this cancer. But, it is essential to consult a doctor. Reason being that if gallbladder cancer is the cause of these symptoms, it will be easier to treat if found earlier. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any worrying signs or symptoms.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

How can You Prevent Gallbladder Cancer?

While you can’t change the risk factors like age and ethnicity, what you can do is adopt a healthy lifestyle to lower your risk of getting this cancer. You can do it by:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight for a healthier lifestyle
  • Getting a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost your immune system
  • Exercising daily, even if it is for 10 minutes daily

What are the Treatment Options for Gallbladder Cancer?

While surgery can potentially cure this cancer, all cancerous tissue needs to be removed. This can be done only when the cancer is detected early. In other words, it is found before it spreads to the other organs and parts of the body.

After the surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are also used to ensure that all cancerous cells are gone. They also help in treating gallbladder cancer that cannot be removed. While it cannot cure, it can certainly extend lifespan, treat symptoms, and improve quality of life.

In the advanced stages, the focus moves from removing cancer to improving quality of life. This is known as palliative care. It is used when surgery is not an option because the person is not healthy enough. Pain medication, nausea medication, placement of tube or stent, and oxygen provision are other types of palliative care.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

Conclusion

Although gallbladder cancer is a rare disease, it can be fatal. While other cancers usually show early signs, this cancer may not be obvious until it reaches the later stages. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Make sure to see your doctor in case of any symptoms and undergo regular checkups.

References

https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/gallbladder/gallbladder-cancer/?region=on

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/cancer-prevent-gallbladder-cancer

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/gallbladder-cancer

Is gallbladder cancer hereditary?

No. It is not hereditary, it is generally caused by lifestyle factors rather than being inherited.

Can gallbladder cancer spread to other areas of your body?

Yes, gallbladder cancer can spread through your tissue, lymph system and also travel through blood vessels to other areas.

Can gallbladder cancer come back after treatment?

Yes, it can be recurrent. After treatment, it can come back in the gallbladder area or some other organ.

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