Gall bladder cancer is a rare but very serious disease. When abnormalities happen in the cells of the gall bladder and it starts increasing abnormally. This can lead to cancer because this organ is hidden in the stomach. Therefore, it is difficult to find out the symptoms in the beginning. The gall bladder is the small pear shaped organ in our body which is located in the down right side of the liver. The main role of this organ is to deposit the bile formed by the liver. This helps to digest the food. Gall bladder cancer generally occurs in the innermost layer of the gall bladder and with the time, it spreads to the lymph nodes.

At HealthCheckBox, we give priority to your journey by providing access to expert gall bladder cancer treatments in a global hub like India. Our main focus is to provide compassionate and individualised care.

Types of Gall Bladder Cancer

The gall bladder consists of several types. Take a look at its types.

Adenocarcinoma: A type of cancer which starts occurring in those glands which produce fluids inside the body organs. In this, cells start increasing abnormally.
Squamous Cell Cancer: A rare but very serious type of cancer which occurs in the inner lining of the gall bladder. In this, flat cells start growing abnormally and form a lump because of some defect in its DNA.
Adenosquamous Cancer: A type of gall bladder cancer which consists of symptoms of two different types of cancers. It is considered a very serious type of cancer which increases so fast and spreads to surrounding organs.
Small Cell Cancer: A rare type of cancer which is very dangerous. This increases so fast and is mainly recognised when it moves out from the gall bladder.
Sarcoma: A very rare type of cancer which occurs in the muscle layer and connective tissue of the gall bladder and forms a solid lump.
Neuroendocrine Tumour: A very special and rare type which mainly affects the nerves and hormones. In this, tumour cells produce a large amount of hormones and release them into the blood.
Lymphoma: An extremely rare type of cancer which occurs in the white blood cells and slows the function of the gall bladder and causes problems in digestion.
Melanoma: A rare cancer type which forms black and deep colored lumps on the walls of the gall bladder and spreads quickly in the body through the blood and liver.

Symptoms of Gall Bladder Cancer

Check out the symptoms of this disease.

Pain in the lower abdomen
Jaundice
Sudden loss of weight
Vomiting
Swelling in the abdominal area
Feeling lumps in the right side of stomach
Not feeling like eating
Change of colour in waste due to bile duct blockage
High fever
Bloating

Causes of Gall Bladder Cancer

Here are some of the common causes mentioned below which you may be consider:

Swelling for a long time
Gallstones
Porcelain Gallbladder
Polyps
Chronic Infections
Bile duct abnormalities
Obesity
Age Factor

Diagnosis of Gall Bladder Cancer

Diagnosis of this disease is a little difficult because its symptoms are not clear in the beginning. Doctors usually diagnose it as:

Physical Exam: In this, doctors examine the stomach to find out any lumps in the stomach area. They also check yellowness in the patient’s eyes which may indicate jaundice.
Blood Tests: This is required to identify whether there is any blockage in the bile duct.
Imaging Tests: Doctors conduct an ultrasound, a CT scan, and an MRI scan. This is done to check the wall thickness or any lumps in the gall bladder and the size of the cancer also.
Biopsy & Procedures: Doctors take out a piece of tissue with the help of a needle or surgery and examine whether it is a cancer or not. They also find out blockage in the bile duct by inserting a thin tube through the mouth.

Treatment of Gall Bladder Cancer

This cancer is mainly treated through surgery. Have a look on whole procedure of surgery.

Before Surgery

In this phase, doctors check your fitness a few days before the operation.

Doctors perform X-ray, ECG and blood tests.
They suggest their patients to not eat anything five to six hours before the surgery.
Doctors may ask their patients to stop the medicines which helps in thinning the blood.
Consent is taken before the operation.

During Surgery

In this stage,

Anesthesia is given to the patients so that they do not feel pain during surgery.
The doctor put three to four minor cuts.
Carbon dioxide is injected to inflate the stomach so that the doctor can easily see the organ.
Doctors cut and remove the gall bladder by inserting a laparoscope camera and small operation tools through the hole.
In the end, they close the cut with the help of surgical tape and stitches.

Note: Nowadays, laparoscopic surgery is mostly used but if the cancer is spread and there are other problems. Then, doctors may also perform open surgery.

After Surgery

In this phase,

Patient is kept under observation till he wake up.
After the surgery, the doctor encourages the patient to walk a little bit for proper blood circulation.
After the operation, the doctor advised to consume only liquid items like juice and water. After some time, they may eat light foods.
They suggest their patients to not lift heavy weight and maintain proper hygiene.

Additionally, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy are also given to patients to damage the remaining cells which left after the surgery.

Complications After Surgery for Gall Bladder Cancer

Check out the common problems that occur after surgery.

Excess pain and swelling in the stomach area
High fever
Jaundice
Infections
Blood clotting
Diarhhea
Lack of Vitamins
Weak digestion
Rebirth of cancer cells

Why Choose Us?

Check out the points which shows the benefit of choosing us for your treatment.

Specialised Doctors & Surgeons work which provides specialised care and treatment.
Use of highly advanced techniques which mainly focus on targeting tumours while protecting surrounding tissue.
A team of highly expert doctors from various fields of cancer work regularly together to provide correct and better treatments.
We use advanced gene testing which helps us to understand the genetic type of cancer. This helps us to decide that according to genetic type which treatment is better for them.
We plan a proper approach which helps the patient to manage their condition physically and emotionally.