Gallbladder cancer is one of the rarest forms of cancer that can affect the body. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most serious forms if you do not catch it early enough. And, because gallbladder cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, most people do not get a diagnosis until the later stages when the symptoms are more obvious. However, if you catch gallbladder cancer in the early stages, it’s very treatable.
The gallbladder is a small organ near the stomach that helps with digestion and liver function. Cancer of the gallbladder occurs when a pack of abnormal cells form a growth. This typically starts at the innermost layer of the gallbladder and spreads outward. Treatment options will include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, along with home remedies and holistic treatments.
Unfortunately, gallbladder cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, as the condition progresses, it will start to cause unwanted signs and symptoms. The fact that these symptoms don’t start earlier is unfortunate because treatment and recovery from gallbladder cancer are more successful the sooner you catch it.
When they begin, gallbladder cancer symptoms will vary in severity from person to person. However, here’s what they usually entail.
As with most forms of cancer, the exact cause of gallbladder cancer is unknown. While we know that cancer starts when a mass of cells form in the gallbladder, it’s unknown what causes this to happen. However, there are a few risk factors that could increase your chances of developing gallbladder cancer.
Gallbladder cancer is more common in women than in men.
Gallbladder cancer is most common in people older than 65.
People who have a history of gallstones are more likely to get gallbladder cancer.
Cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder or inflammation of the bile ducts, increases your chances of developing gallbladder cancer.
Gallbladder cancer is more common in people who are considered obese.
While these risk factors increase your chances of getting gallbladder cancer, no one is exempt.
Gallbladder cancer is difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone because they are similar to those of other conditions. Additionally, because the symptoms often are not obvious at first, your doctor will need to run additional tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Imaging tests will help your doctor take a look inside your gallbladder to see if there are obvious signs of cancer. These tests include ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and endoscopies.
Exploratory surgeries are useful in helping your doctor diagnose gallbladder cancer as well as determining the extent of the damage. More specifically, biopsies are useful for retrieving samples of your gallbladder and testing them for the presence of cancer.
Liver function tests and blood tests are also useful in helping to diagnose gallbladder cancer.
Gallbladder cancer is very treatable in the early stages of the disease. As it progresses, however, gallbladder cancer is very difficult to cure. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial for treating and curing gallbladder cancer. Following your diagnosis, here are the treatments your doctor will likely offer.
Surgery to remove all or part of the gallbladder and other nearby organs can help eradicate the cancer in the early stages.
As with most forms of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation are the most common treatment options for gallbladder cancer.
Alternative therapies, including targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and natural remedies, can also help ease the symptoms of gallbladder cancer and potentially help cure the condition.