Gallbladder Cancer: Early Signs, Diagnosis & Advanced Treatment

Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive cancer that often remains undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Found more frequently in women and certain populations in India, it typically arises from chronic gallbladder inflammation or gallstones.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, it is crucial to consult a specialist experienced in HPB (Hepatopancreatobiliary) cancer surgery. Dr. Maunil Tomar, a leading GI and HPB oncosurgeon in Ahmedabad, provides advanced, minimally invasive, and personalized treatment for gallbladder cancer.

🧬 What Is Gallbladder Cancer?

Gallbladder cancer originates in the inner lining of the gallbladder and can quickly spread to the liver, bile ducts, and surrounding lymph nodes. The most common type is adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder.

It is often discovered incidentally during gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) for stones or pain.

⚠️ Risk Factors for Gallbladder Cancer

• Chronic gallstones

• Porcelain gallbladder (calcification of gallbladder wall)

• Gallbladder polyps >1 cm

• Chronic cholecystitis (inflammation)

• Female gender (especially over 50)

• Obesity

• High-fat diet

• Certain genetic syndromes

• Environmental exposure to carcinogens

Early diagnosis is challenging, making preventive cholecystectomy important in high-risk cases.

🚨 Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

Symptoms may mimic common gallbladder issues and include:

• Persistent upper right abdominal pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Unintended weight loss

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

• Loss of appetite

• Bloating or abdominal mass

• Fever with abdominal discomfort

Many of these signs are subtle and overlap with gallstone disease. Early imaging and evaluation are crucial.

🔬 Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer

• Ultrasound Abdomen – Often first-line

• Contrast-enhanced CT Scan or MRI – For staging

• PET-CT – To detect metastasis

• Liver function tests & tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9)

• Biopsy – In select cases

Dr. Maunil Tomar uses a comprehensive diagnostic approach for accurate staging and surgical planning.

🛠️ Treatment Options for Gallbladder Cancer

Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and spread.

🏥 1. Surgery

• Radical Cholecystectomy – Gallbladder removal with part of liver and lymph nodes

• Extended Liver Resection – For locally advanced tumors

• Bile Duct Resection or Reconstruction – If involved

• Laparoscopic or Open HPB Surgery based on case complexity

💊 2. Chemotherapy

• Often used after surgery or in advanced/metastatic cases

• Regimens may include Gemcitabine + Cisplatin

🌱 3. Palliative Treatments

• Biliary stenting for obstruction

• Supportive care in advanced stages

📅 When to Seek Help?

If you have a gallbladder polyp, porcelain gallbladder, or suspicious imaging findings, consult a GI oncosurgeon immediately. Timely surgery offers the best chance of cure in early-stage gallbladder cancer.