What Is Gallbladder?
Like how we understand the functions of the heart and brain and a few vital organs to some extent, it is also necessary to understand about gallbladder because it is involved in the process of digestion, another vital function.
The gallbladder is a tiny organ that is located below the liver. It is pear-shaped and is located on the right side. The bile that is produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder. The bile that is stored is called the gall. The stored gall is later released into the small intestine. It is essential for the digestion of fats present in the food. The bile secreted from the liver and gallbladder is different from each other. In rare conditions, cancer of the gallbladder can occur.
What Are the Causes of Gallbladder Cancer?
The actual cause of gallbladder cancer is not identified till now. Genetic mutation happening in the cell might result in the condition of cancer. Any abnormal proliferation of cells resulting in the tumor or mass of lump formation in the gallbladder is identified to be gallbladder cancer. Some of the clinical conditions associated with the gallbladder are also known to contribute to the occurrence of gallbladder cancer. They are:
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Chronic inflammation in the gallbladder due to gallstones.
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Ulcerative colitis.
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Chronic Salmonella typhi.
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Liver flukes.
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Paratyphi infections and Helicobacter infection.
What Are the Stages of Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is classified according to the following stages.
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Stage 0: It is also known as carcinoma in situ. In this stage, an abnormal cell is found in the inner layers of the gallbladder. They can spread to the nearby tissues that are normal, and they can also turn into cancer.
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Stage I: In stage I, cancer has spread more than the inner layer of the gallbladder tissues, along with the involvement of the muscles and the blood vessels.
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Stage II: When cancer involvement occurs beyond the muscular layer and the connective tissue surrounding the muscle, it is categorized as stage II.
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Stage IIIA: The cancer is categorized in this stage if it has spread through the very thin layers of the tissue surrounding the gallbladder or the liver. It has also spread to the layers of the tissue in the pancreas, small intestine, stomach, colon, and bile ducts that are seen outside the liver.
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Stage IIIB: In stage IIIB, cancer has moved to the lymph nodes that are found nearby. In addition to the blood vessels and the muscular layer, most of the nearby organs are known to get affected.
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Stage IVA: When cancer has involved the liver's important blood vessels, it is categorized in this stage. If two or more organs are involved other than the liver, then it is categorized under this stage. There is still enlargement of the lymph node seen due to cancer involvement at that site.
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Stage IVB: In this stage, cancer would have spread to larger arteries present in the abdomen or the region near the backbone. Involvement of lymph nodes along with the affected arteries is also seen. The organs far away from the gallbladder are also known to be involved.
What Are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer?
The various symptoms associated with gallbladder cancer are:
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Pain above the stomach.
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Anorexia, jaundice, and weight loss.
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Jaundice that might result in yellowish skin.
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Fever.
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Lumps in the abdomen.
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Bloating.
What Are the Risk Factors for Gallbladder Cancer?
The risk factors associated with gallbladder cancer are:
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Age: People who are more than 60 years of age have an increased risk of gallbladder cancer.
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Population: People belonging to the American and Mexican populations are known to be affected more than the others.
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Male Gender: An increased level of risk of gallbladder cancer is noticed in males. The exact cause of male predilection is not identified.
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Oral contraceptives.
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Medications like Methyldopa.
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Excessive exposure to chemicals like vinyl chloride, pesticides, and rubber.
How Is Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis for gallbladder cancer requires both clinical examination and laboratory studies. The laboratory study includes three important diagnostic methods. They are:
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Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay.
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CA 19-9 assay.
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Liver Function Tests - The doctor would recommend blood tests to check the functioning of the liver.
In addition to this, ultrasound and CT (computed tomography) scans are also helpful in diagnosing the condition. The ultrasound procedure is a standard diagnostic tool that is used to identify gallbladder cancer.
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In the CT scan, any tumor that is found external to the gallbladder can also be identified.
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For bile cytological studies, the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) method is implemented to identify cancer in the gallbladder.
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A non-invasive method called magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is used to detect the obstruction in the bile duct.
What Are the Treatment Options for Gallbladder Cancer?
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Treatment requires both medications and surgical options. Surgical resection is often the last treatment modality.
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Radiation therapy is helpful in controlling the cancerous deposits in the gallbladder and involved lymph nodes. It is also known to increase the survival rate.
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Chemotherapy is helpful if it is given along with radiation therapy. The appropriate dosage of Gemcitabine and Fluoropyrimidine medications are known to be beneficial for the treatment of gallbladder cancer. Gemcitabine is helpful in controlling the severe spreading of cancer. If Gemcitabine is combined along with Cisplatin, then it is known to produce a more advantageous result. However, the doctor has to decide the medications depending upon the patient's health status and age. The other medical conditions of the patient must also be considered.
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Surgical methods involve the removal of the tissues of the gallbladder. Surgical methods can invite other complications. However, it is recommended to remove the gallbladder by a procedure called a cholecystectomy. In some patients, surgery is performed to remove the gallbladder's tissues and the liver.
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Immunotherapy is a procedure that involves the intake of drugs that will help in fighting cancer cells. These drugs are known to boost immune systems. It is the best option for treating cancer that is in the advanced stages.
What Is the Prognosis for Gallbladder Cancer?
If gallbladder cancer is detected in the early stage, then the prognosis is good. The average life expectancy of people who are in the last stages of gallbladder cancer is around five years. However, the medical reports suggest that more than 30 percent of patients have metastasis. In such cases, the prognosis is not so good.
Conclusion:
The symptoms of gallbladder cancer resemble any other less severe health ailments. Hence, it is essential not to ignore symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, appetite loss, weakness, etc., and underestimate the condition. If your symptoms do not seem to improve within a day or two and persist for more than a week, then it is high time you warrant a physical or virtual hospital visit as soon as possible to rule out any deadly conditions.
