Gallbladder cancer is a relatively rare form of the disease, but it can be deadly if not caught in time. In this article, we will discuss 10 symptoms of gallbladder cancer that you need to be aware of. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key when it comes to beating any type of cancer!
What Is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a little pear-shaped structure underneath the liver. It collects bile, which helps the body break down fat.
Most gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinomas, which means they start in cells that line the inside of the gallbladder. Gallbladder cancer is relatively rare, accounting for only about two percent of all gastrointestinal cancers.
Metastatic Gallbladder Cancer
In some cases, gallbladder cancer may have already spread by the time it is diagnosed. This is known as metastatic gallbladder cancer. Metastatic gallbladder cancer means that cancer cells have spread from the gallbladder to other parts of the body, such as the liver or pancreas.
Risk Factors For Developing Gallbladder Cancer
Risk factors for developing gallbladder cancer include:
- Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- A family history of gallbladder or pancreatic cancer
- Being age 60 or older
- Being female
- Having certain genetic syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms
Abdominal discomfort is the most prevalent sign of gallbladder cancer. This pain is usually located in the upper right side of the abdomen, just under the ribs. Other symptoms include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Clay-colored stools
- Abdominal Pain
- Feeling Sick or Being Sick
- Severe Itchiness
- Lumps in the Tummy
- Enlargement of the Gall Bladder
- Dark Urine. Black, Tarry, or Greasy Stool
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Fatigue
- Fever
Jaundice (Yellowing Of The Skin And Whites Of The Eyes)
Jaundice is the most common symptom of gallbladder cancer. This happens when cancer blocks the bile ducts and prevents bile from flowing into the intestine. This can cause a build-up of bilirubin in the blood, which gives the skin and eyes a yellow tint.
Clay-Colored Stools
Clay-colored stools can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This happens because cancer blocks the bile ducts and prevents bile from flowing into the intestine. When this occurs, stool color may change to pale or clay-like.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is another common symptom of gallbladder cancer. This pain is usually located in the upper right side of the abdomen, just under the ribs. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it may come and go.
Feeling Sick Or Being Sick
Feeling sick or being sick can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This is usually caused by the build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish substance that is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. When there is too much bilirubin in the blood, it can cause nausea and vomiting.
Severe Itchiness
Severe itchiness can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This is usually caused by the build-up of bile in the blood. Bile is a yellowish substance that helps break down fat in the intestine. When there is too much bile in the blood, it can cause severe itchiness.
Lumps In The Tummy
Lumps in the tummy can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This is usually caused by the build-up of tumor tissue in the abdomen. Tumor tissue is made up of abnormal cells that grow out of control. When there is too much tumor tissue in the abdomen, it can cause lumps to form.
Enlargement Of The Gall Bladder
Enlargement of the gall bladder can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This happens when cancer grows and takes up more space inside the gallbladder. As cancer grows, it can cause the gallbladder to enlarge.
Dark Urine. Black, Tarry, Or Greasy Stool
Dark urine, black stool, or greasy stool can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This happens when cancer blocks the bile ducts and prevents bile from flowing into the intestine. When this occurs, the stool may become dark in color and may have a tar-like appearance.
Nausea Or Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This is usually caused by the build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish substance that is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. When there is too much bilirubin in the blood, it can cause nausea and vomiting.
Loss Of Appetite
Loss of appetite can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This is usually caused by cancer blocking the bile ducts and preventing bile from flowing into the intestine. When this occurs, the body may not be able to absorb nutrients from food as well, which can lead to weight loss and loss of appetite.
Weight Loss For No Known Reason
Weight loss for no known reason can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This is usually caused by cancer blocking the bile ducts and preventing bile from flowing into the intestine. When this occurs, the body may not be able to absorb nutrients from food as well, which can lead to weight loss.
Tiredness For No Known Reason
Tiredness for no known reason can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. This is usually caused by anemia, which is a condition that occurs when there are not enough red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues, and when there are not enough of them, the body does not get enough oxygen. This can lead to tiredness and fatigue.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key when it comes to beating any type of cancer!
While some of these symptoms could be indicative of other health problems, it is always best to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a medical professional.
Treating Gallbladder Cancer
The treatment for gallbladder cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. All these treatments are used to kill cancer cells.
Final Words
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through this difficult time. The most important thing is to stay positive and keep fighting! Remember, early detection is key, so make sure to see your doctor for regular check-ups.
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