What is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a disease where cancerous cells start formation in the tissues of the gallbladder. This is a rare form of cancer where survival rate decreases as per the delay in the detection time.
The gallbladder is an organ, in the upper abdomen, which helps in storage of bile and digestion of fat. The cancer in gallbladder is relatively uncommon but it has treatment that cures in cases of early stages.
Porcelain gallbladder where stones pile up increases the risks of this form of cancer. Chances of recovery in this disease become lesser once the symptoms start to appear.
What are the types of Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder has different types of cells and this is why the types of cancer also vary. Let’s have a look at those types:-
Adenocarcinoma – The most common type where the cancer begins in gland cells of the gallbladder Squamous cell cancer of the gallbladder – It originates from the skin like cells of the gallbladder Adenosquamous cancer of the gallbladder – This form of cancer is known to possess squamous cancer cells and glandular cancer cells both Small cell cancer of the gallbladder – Also known as oat cell carcinomas for the unique shape Sarcoma of the gallbladder – It starts in the muscle layer of the gallbladder
Sign and symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer
There are some symptoms that accompany the gallbladder cancer. Some of these signs may not be a genuine reflection of the arrival of the disease but they convey a strong possibility of. Some of symptoms include:-
• Constant pain in the upper right abdomen • Feeling a sense of weakness • Experiencing a drastic Loss of appetite • Weight loss issues • Jaundice and vomiting arising out of obstruction
Treatment of Gallbladder Cancer
Doctors often recommend surgical procedure to take out the gallbladder along with lymph node dissection and some part of liver. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be recommended with surgery.
In specific cases, a reoperation is needed to take out part of liver and lymph nodes. With that, the survival rates shoot up for patients.