Gallbladder Cancer Treatment

Ranked as the 23rd most common cancer affecting people across the globe, Gallbladder Cancer is highly aggressive. More than 100,000 people are diagnosed with Gallbladder Cancer every year. Women are 2 to 6 times more likely to develop Gallbladder Cancer as compared to men. Cancer is usually diagnosed in elderlies above 65 years of age, however, it can be seen in younger people as well. The average age of Diagnosis for Gallbladder Cancer is 72.

What is Gallbladder Cancer?
The term Gallbladder Cancer is used for any Cancer that originates within the Gallbladder, a tiny organ that is responsible for storing and concentrating bile juice secreted by the liver. There are several different types of Gallbladder cancer, classified on the basis of the cells involved. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of Gallbladder cancer, which roughly accounts for 85 percent of the cases.

What are the symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer?
Common symptoms that may point towards the possibility of one having Gallbladder Cancer include:

•  Jaundice, i.e. yellowing of skin and eyes
• Loss of Appetite
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Abdominal pain and cramps
•  Problems with digestion 
• Abdominal bloating 
• Weakness and Fatigue 

When should you see a Specialist?
It is advisable to see a specialist as soon as you detect any of the above-mentioned symptoms. All these just point towards the possibility of you having Gallbladder cancer but are not definitive. In order to confirm whether a patient has Gallbladder Cancer or not, doctors perform some physical examinations and tests. The sooner you consult a specialist, your Prognosis would be quicker and you would have a better chance to overcome it.

What causes Gallbladder Cancer? 
Gallbladder Cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell multiplication triggered by certain DNA mutations in the cells lining the Gallbladder. There are a number of factors that can increase the risks of such mutations. These include:

• Ageing
• Having Gallstones
• Having Gallbladder polyps
• Excessive smoking 
• Having a family history of Gallbladder Cancer
• Having a personal history of Cancer

Modalities used for the Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer 

• Blood analysis 
• Ultrasound 
• Computerized Tomography or CT scan 
• Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI 
• Tissue biopsy 

Treatment options available for Gallbladder Cancer

• Surgery (procedures like Cholecystectomy)
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Drug Therapy 
• Immunotherapy