Thinking of gallbladder cancer as a rare and harmless type of cancer? Think again; although it is a minor and uncommon issue if went unnoticed, it can really be highly effective.

The gallbladder is a small sac-like organ, about 3 inches long, found under your liver. The main function is to store bile juice, which helps digest food.

Although its main cause is unknown, it is confirmed that, like all other cancers, it is caused by a mutation in the DNA, which leads to the uncontrolled growth of cells. As the number of these cells increases, the growth transforms into a mass or tumour.

Some experts have also suggested that the occurrence of cancer in the gallbladder is because of the long-term inflammation in that region.

Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop gallbladder cancer than men. It will come as a shock knowing that digital imaging tests like CT Scans and X-rays contribute to increasing the risk of gallbladder cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer?

Until the gallbladder cancer is at a higher stage, the symptoms may go unnoticeable, but when they occur, they can be:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea & vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Changed urine colour

These symptoms may also resonate with other diseases, as they are very common.

Can Gallbladder Cancer Be Cured?

Yes, gallbladder cancer can be cured if it is caught early. In the early stage, it doesn’t spread to the nearby organs, and the gallbladder can be resected easily. But if it reaches an advanced stage, then it becomes difficult to cure it.

Prognosis factors:

The prognosis depends on the stage of diagnosis:

• Stage I: High chance of cure with surgery.
• Stage II-III: Outcomes vary; surgery combined with other treatments may help.
• Stage IV: Focus is on palliative care; cure is unlikely.

As Dr. Deep Goel explains, early detection of gallbladder cancer is crucial for effective treatment. He asserts that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and attending regular health checkups can help catch potential issues before they develop. Prevention, along with proactive care, is the key to safeguarding your health.

What Are the Treatment Options for Gallbladder Cancer?

As we talked about above, gallbladder cancer is totally curable if caught early, but many other treatment options are available to cope with this malignancy.

The American Cancer Society has stated that only 1 in 5 people get a diagnosis before the cancer spreads, so it becomes very crucial to get it detected as early as possible.

Some of the available treatment options for gallbladder cancer are:

• Surgery: It is considered as the first line of treatment. There are two types of surgeries taken into account, which are as follows:
• Cholecystectomy: The process of removing the whole gallbladder surgically, typically considered for early-stage gallbladder cancer.
• Radical Surgery: This surgery is considered for advanced-stage cancer, where not only the gallbladder is removed, but the surrounding parts also, like some parts of the liver and lymph nodes.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant therapy). It may also be used for advanced stages where surgery isn’t possible, aiming to slow cancer growth and manage symptoms.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation can be used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy, or when surgery is not an option, to shrink tumours and relieve symptoms like pain and obstruction.
• Targeted Therapy: This approach focuses on specific molecules involved in the growth of cancer cells. It’s used primarily in advanced or metastatic gallbladder cancer, where traditional treatments are less effective.

Dr. Deep adds, “While surgery remains the cornerstone of gallbladder cancer treatment, the combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies offers patients better control over the disease, especially in advanced stages.”

What Is the Survival Rate for Gallbladder Removal?

Cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) has a very high survival rate and is considered routine/safe surgery. The survival rate for other healthy individuals undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is greater than 99%. Rare complications include infections, bile duct injury or bleeding.

The risks may be somewhat greater for patients with underlying health problems or people having emergency surgery, such as gallbladder rupture.

How Much Does Gallbladder Cancer Surgery Cost in India?

The cost of a simple cholecystectomy for localised gallbladder cancer typically ranges from INR 40,000 to INR 50,000 (approximately $480 to $600 USD). However, if the procedure involves removing the gallbladder along with nearby organs and lymph nodes, the expenses can rise to around INR 1,00,000 (approximately $1,200 USD).

What Is the Recovery Process After Gallbladder Cancer Surgery?

Recovery after gallbladder cancer surgery depends on the type and extent of the procedure. Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for 5–10 days for monitoring and initial recovery.
• Pain Management: Post-surgery discomfort is managed with prescribed pain relievers.
• Gradual Resumption of Activities: Light activities can usually be resumed within 2 to 3 weeks, but full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer for complicated procedures.
• Diet Modifications: A low-fat diet is recommended initially as the body adjusts to the absence of the gallbladder.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-ups and imaging tests are essential to monitor recovery and ensure there’s no recurrence of cancer.

A grateful patient of Dr. Deep, recently treated for gallbladder cancer, shared, “Dr. Deep’s expertise and compassionate care gave me hope and strength during the toughest time of my life. I’m forever thankful for his dedication and life-saving efforts.”

What did we learn from this blog? Gallbladder cancer, though rare, can become serious if not detected early. Symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and jaundice should not be overlooked. With treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, early detection and timely care are key to improving prognosis and recovery.

Dr. Deep concludes, “Timely detection and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment are the keys to surviving gallbladder cancer. With proper care, many patients can live long, healthy lives after diagnosis.”

FAQs

1. What is the first stage of gallbladder cancer?

This (carcinoma in situ) is the earliest stage of gallbladder cancer. It is. It is confined to the gallbladder lining and does not spread elsewhere.

2. Can you live without a gallbladder?

Yes, you can live without a gallbladder as your liver takes over bile storage and digestion.

3. What age is gallbladder cancer common?

Gallbladder cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 70, though it can occur at any age.

4. Is gallbladder cancer stage 4 curable?

Stage 4 gallbladder cancer is usually not curable, but treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can help manage symptoms and extend life.

5. Can a gallbladder grow back?

No, the gallbladder cannot grow back once it has been removed. However, the body can adapt to life without it.

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