Summary about Gallbladder Cancer in English
Marham enlists the best doctors for gallbladder cancer treatment in Pakistan. Book an appointment or online consultation with a doctor for gallbladder cancer in Pakistan. Consult the most experienced gallbladder cancer specialist in Pakistan based on their qualifications, patient reviews, location, and fees.
What is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer meaning in Urdu is یپتے یا گال بلیڈر کا کینسر. Gallbladder cancer results from the abnormal growth of gallbladder cells. It accounts for only a small percentage of all cancer types. Unfortunately, gallbladder cancer is often difficult to detect during its early stages as it does not show any noticeable symptoms. As a result, this type of cancer can be challenging to diagnose before it spreads to other parts of the body.
Gallbladder cancer is a severe condition and is treated with medication, radiation, and surgical procedures. Usually, it is diagnosed with several diagnostic techniques such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
Consult the best doctors for treating gallbladder cancer in Pakistan enlisted at Marham. You can also book an online video consultation with the top oncologist for gallbladder cancer in Pakistan.
Causes of Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer might occur due to multiple reasons, including;
Gallstones in the gallbladder, causing cellular changes in the gallbladder lining
Calcium deposits which chronically inflame the gallbladder walls
Exposure to certain chemicals such as nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and Dioxin
Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer symptoms vary from person to person depending upon the stage of the disease. However, all patients face these common symptoms:
Persistent or intermittent abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side of the abdomen
Severe fatigue which doesn't go away with a nutritious diet
Abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting
Jaundice and a low-grade fever
Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is diagnosed in multiple ways, which include:
Blood tests such as liver function tests, complete blood count, blood clotting tests, or alpha-fetoprotein test
Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography.
Biopsy involving a tissue sampling from the gallbladder for microscopic examination purposes
Endoscopic Retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) by passing a flexible tube with a camera down the small intestine to view the bile ducts and gallbladder.
Types of Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is commonly classified into two types, including;
Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common and aggressive type of cancer. It develops from the inner surface of the gallbladder and spreads to nearby lymph nodes and other organs.
Squamous cell carcinoma: It is less common and develops from the outer lining of the gallbladder. It is more aggressive than adenocarcinoma and tends to be diagnosed at a later stage.
Treatment of Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage and the patient's health. However, common treatment options for the disease include;
Surgery for the removal of the affected gallbladder or only surrounding lymph nodes and tissues
Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells or post-surgical tumors or remaining cancer cells
Chemotherapy to inhibit cancer cell growth in the gallbladder or the surrounding region
Risks factors for Gallbladder Cancer
A few risk factors that contribute to gallbladder cancer are as follows:
Certain health conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, diabetes mellitus, or Lynch syndrome
People with a family history of gallbladder cancer
Those over 65, due to genetic mutations, weaker immune systems, hormonal changes, and low bile acid production
Body fat deposits in the gallbladder due to obesity
Prevention of Gallbladder Cancer
People should take the following preventive measures to reduce the risks of developing gallbladder cancer:
Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise
Promptly treating gallbladder diseases such as gallstones and gallbladder inflammation
Limit caffeine intake by avoiding coffee and tea
Quit smoking
Complications associated with Gallbladder Cancer
Delayed treatment of gallbladder cancer may lead to some complications, including:
Obstruction of the bile ducts due to tumor growth
Liver damage caused by bile buildup in the liver
Cancer cells might spread to nearby organs, including the liver, pancreas, and intestines
Increased risk of developing blood clots, which may travel to the lungs or brain
The body’s inability to absorb nutrients from food leads to malnutrition
To prevent these complications, it is better to have the gallbladder checked by a certified hepatobiliary surgeon.
Book an appointment or online consultation with the best gallbladder cancer doctor in Pakistan. You can also discuss your symptoms on video consultation with an oncologist for gallbladder cancer.