Gallbladder Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Dr. Neeraj Goel

Описание: Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that starts in the gallbladder – a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. While gallbladder cancer is not very common, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the subtle nature of its early symptoms.

In this video, Dr. Neeraj Goel, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant in Gastrointestinal Surgery, HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) Surgery, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Liver Transplant at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi, explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gallbladder cancer.

What Causes Gallbladder Cancer?
The primary cause of gallbladder cancer is gallstones – hardened deposits of bile that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones increase the risk of cancer by causing chronic irritation and inflammation of the gallbladder lining. Although not all individuals with gallstones develop cancer, it significantly increases the likelihood.

Other risk factors include:

Age: Gallbladder cancer is more common in older adults.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop gallbladder cancer than men.
Chronic Gallbladder Disease: Conditions like chronic cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) can increase the risk.
Obesity: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of gallbladder cancer.
Family History: A family history of gallbladder disease or cancer may increase risk.
Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer
The symptoms of gallbladder cancer can be vague and may resemble other gastrointestinal conditions. The most common symptoms include:

Jaundice: A yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by a blockage of bile flow.
Loss of Appetite: This is a common symptom in many cancers, including gallbladder cancer.
Pain in the Right Side of the Stomach: This pain may be sharp or dull and could be accompanied by bloating.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Weight loss without any obvious reason.
Nausea and Vomiting: Especially after eating, indicating digestive discomfort.
If you experience these symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How is Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosed?
Gallbladder cancer is often diagnosed through imaging tests such as ultrasound and CT scans. A gallbladder ultrasound is particularly useful in identifying gallstones and abnormalities in the gallbladder. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of cancer.

Dr. Neeraj Goel recommends getting an ultrasound if you experience any of the above symptoms, as early detection of gallbladder cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Treatment Options for Gallbladder Cancer
The treatment for gallbladder cancer depends on the stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. Some of the common treatment options include:

Surgery: The most common treatment for gallbladder cancer is surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). In advanced stages, surgery may also involve removing parts of the liver or bile ducts.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy to target cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Newer treatments like targeted therapy can be used to target specific molecules involved in the growth of cancer cells.
For patients diagnosed with advanced gallbladder cancer, the treatment focus is usually on palliative care to improve the quality of life and manage symptoms.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
As gallbladder cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, early detection is critical. Regular check-ups and ultrasound screenings are vital, especially for individuals at higher risk due to the presence of gallstones, family history, or other predisposing conditions. Dr. Neeraj Goel emphasizes the importance of seeking medical help as soon as symptoms like jaundice, pain, and appetite loss appear.

For consultation or to learn more about gallbladder cancer, visit Narayana Health today.

About Narayana Health:
At Narayana Health, we offer comprehensive treatment for gallbladder cancer, liver diseases, and gastrointestinal cancers. Our multidisciplinary team of experts provides personalized care and cutting-edge treatment options for better patient outcomes.

For more information, visit https://www.narayanahealth.org.

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