Gallbladder Cancer

It is a rare type of cancer that begins in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located below the liver that stores digestive fluid called bile. Gallbladder cancer It usually does not show any symptoms in the early stages. In later stages, abdominal pain, jaundice and weight loss may occur. Risk factors include gallstones, age and some genetic factors. Early diagnosis increases the chance of treatment.

Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms is abdominal pain. The pain is usually felt in the upper right quadrant and can sometimes radiate to the back. The pain can be constant or intermittent. People may experience abdominal bloating, gas problems, and indigestion. These symptoms may become more pronounced, especially after eating. Progressive gallbladder cancer, may cause loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. This may indicate that the disease has progressed to serious stages.

The eyes and skin may turn yellow (jaundice) due to a blockage in the bile duct. This indicates that the flow of bile is blocked and that there is a serious gallbladder problem. It is possible for the urine to appear dark yellow or brown, and the stool to appear light or chalky in color, in association with jaundice. Nausea and sometimes vomiting may occur in the later stages of cancer. This is due to the effects on the digestive system. Some patients also experience symptoms such as fever and chills due to infection or advancing tumors. Patients may experience a significant decrease in their energy levels. Constant fatigue, gallbladder cancer It is a common complaint among people with

What Causes Gallbladder Cancer?

Prolonged and repeated inflammations damage the gallbladder tissue. This can increase the risk by causing structural disorders in the cells over time. Gallstone formation can lead to chronic irritation and inflammation. Gallstones block the flow of bile. It causes a chronic inflammatory process that leads to cancer. Congenital abnormalities in the bile duct cause inflammation in the gallbladder. This can cause genetic changes in the gallbladder cells. Long-term exposure to certain industrial chemicals or toxic substances increases the risk. This risk may be higher in individuals working in the paint, metalworking and textile industries.

Gallbladder cancer The risk is higher in people with a family history. Genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of this disease. Excessive weight and obesity can cause gallstone formation and increase the risk of cancer. This risk is especially high in women. Excessive consumption of saturated fat and processed foods can increase the risk by paving the way for gallbladder diseases. Diets low in vegetables and fiber can also trigger this condition. It is usually more common in individuals aged 60 and over. It is a more common disease in women than in men. Some types of benign polyps found in the gallbladder can turn into cancer over time. Large polyps are especially risky in this regard.

How Is Gallbladder Cancer Treated?

If cancer is only in the gallbladder, the entire gallbladder may be removed. If cancer has spread to the tissues around the gallbladder, part of the liver may be removed. Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. This can be used to destroy any cancer cells that remain after surgery. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from spreading.

Usually advanced stage gallbladder cancer It is preferred in cases. It can be applied together with other treatments. Immunotherapy is a treatment that strengthens the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. This method can be used in advanced cancer cases. If the cancer is in an advanced stage and cannot be treated, palliative care can be applied. This includes supportive treatment given to improve the patient's quality of life and manage pain and other symptoms.