Gallbladder Cancer Treatment in India

Overview

Gallbladder cancer is a rare and often aggressive type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the gallbladder, a small organ located just beneath the liver. It stores bile produced by the liver.

Gallbladder cancer is more common in women and Native Americans. It is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the absence of early symptoms. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

• Severe upper right abdominal pain
• Frequent vomiting
• Abdominal mass or lump
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine
• Pale or oily stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal bloating
• Fever

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause is unknown, the risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Exposure to certain chemicals (textile and rubber industries)
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
• Bile duct cysts
• Older age (average diagnosis at 72)
• Obesity
• Gallbladder inflammation, polyps, infections
• Salmonella infection
• Unhealthy diet
• Gallstones (found in 4 out of 5 diagnosed individuals)

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer

Detection and staging are often simultaneous. Diagnostic methods include:

• Physical exam and medical history
• Liver function tests
• Blood tests
• CT Scan
• Ultrasound
• PTC (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography)
• Endoscopic Ultrasound
• MRI
• Laparoscopy
• Biopsy

Staging

The prognosis and treatment depend on:

• Extent of cancer spread
• Surgical resectability
• Cell type
• New diagnosis or recurrence

Treatment Options

Surgical

• Cholecystectomy: Gallbladder removal
• Radical Gallbladder Resection: More extensive surgery
• Palliative Surgeries: For symptom relief if cancer is unresectable
  • Biliary Bypass Surgery
  • Endoscopic Stent Placement

Chemotherapy

Used when cancer has spread and surgery is no longer viable. May be used to shrink tumors pre-surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Employs high-energy rays to kill or slow cancer cells.

Combined Treatments

Chemo-radiotherapy may be considered to reduce tumor size before surgery.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoscopic techniques are commonly used. In some cases, extended procedures are performed if cancer has spread.

Cost Factors in India

Gallbladder Cancer Treatment cost in India is lower than in developed nations. Influencing factors include:

• Hospital category and location
• Type of room selected (standard, deluxe, super deluxe)
• ICU and surgical costs
• Doctor’s and anesthetist’s fees
• Medication and diagnostics

Why Choose India?

• Significantly reduced treatment costs
• Highly experienced doctors
• Modern hospitals with advanced diagnostic tools
• Accredited by JCI and NABH
• Comprehensive care including preoperative and post-operative programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a Cancerous Gallbladder Be Removed?
A: Yes, usually via extended (radical) cholecystectomy to minimize recurrence risk.

Q: What Percentage of Gallbladder Cancers Are Resectable?
A: Only about 10% at time of surgery. Nearly half show lymph node involvement.

Q: What Causes Gallbladder Tumors?
A: Mostly caused by chronic gallstones leading to inflammation.

Q: How Long Is Bed Rest After Gallbladder Surgery?
A: 1–2 weeks. Difficulty sleeping may occur in the first week.

Q: What Is the Fastest Way to Recover Post-Surgery?
A: Rest the first 24 hours, then gradually walk and stay active. Avoid overexertion.