Gallbladder Cancer Treatment

Gallbladder Cancer Treatment in India

What Is Gallbladder Cancer?

Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates when malignant or cancer cells reside in the tissues of the gallbladder, located just below the liver. The gallbladder is a tiny pear-shaped organ that stores bile produced by the liver. The bile duct is a tube that connects the liver to the gallbladder and discharges bile into the common bile duct.

Gallbladder cancer is often diagnosed late, as symptoms typically appear only after the disease has progressed. Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

Severe abdominal discomfort in the upper right area of the belly
Frequent vomiting
Mass in the abdomen
Jaundice
Itchy skin
Dark urine
Oily or white feces
Sudden weight loss
Loss of appetite
Abdominal bloating
Fever
Yellowing of the skin and eyes

How Does Gallbladder Cancer Spread?

Cancer can metastasize (spread) through:

Tissue: Invading nearby tissues
Lymph System: Spreading through the lymphatic system
Blood: Traveling through blood vessels to other body parts

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is unknown, but several factors increase the risk:

Smoking
Chemical exposure (e.g., in textile/rubber industries)
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
Bile duct cysts
Age (typically diagnosed at age 72)
Obesity
Gallbladder polyps and infections
Salmonella infection
Poor diet
Gallstones (increase risk but don't guarantee cancer)

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer

Diagnosis and staging often occur simultaneously. Tests may include:

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

Factors affecting prognosis and treatment:

Stage and spread of cancer
Surgical removability
Cancer cell type
Whether it is a recurrence

Treatment Options

You may consult multiple specialists:

Surgical oncologist for cancer surgery
Medical oncologist for chemotherapy
Radiation oncologist for radiotherapy
Gastroenterologist for digestive health

Localized Gallbladder Cancer

Radiation therapy: High-energy X-rays destroy cancer cells
Chemotherapy: Drugs kill or stop cancer cell growth
Surgery:
- Cholecystectomy – Removal of the gallbladder
- Radical gallbladder resection – Removal of the gallbladder with surrounding tissue

Advanced or Metastatic Cancer

Palliative Surgery:
- Biliary bypass surgery
- Endoscopic stent placement
Chemo or chemo-radiotherapy: To shrink tumors and possibly allow later surgery

Note: If the tumor is confined to the inner lining and the gallbladder is already removed, monitoring may be sufficient. Otherwise, more extensive surgery is needed.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Modern gallbladder cancer surgery is often performed laparoscopically with minimal incisions. An extended cholecystectomy involves removing the gallbladder and additional surrounding tissues.

Choosing a Hospital for Gallbladder Cancer Treatment in India

India is a popular destination for cancer care due to:

Affordable pricing
Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
Accredited hospitals (NABH, JCI)
Expert oncologists and surgeons
International patient assistance

Factors to consider:

Quality certificates
Hospital and transport location
Team experience
Technology available
Global patient services

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a Cancerous Gallbladder Be Removed?

A: Yes. An extended (or radical) cholecystectomy is typically performed to prevent recurrence.

Q: What Percentage of Gallbladder Cancers Are Resectable?

A: Only about 10% are resectable at surgery time; nearly 50% have lymph node metastases.

Q: What Causes Gallbladder Tumors?

A: Gallstones are a leading cause. They cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to cancer.

Q: How Long Is Bed Rest After Gallbladder Surgery?

A: Expect sleep disruptions for 1–2 weeks. Adequate rest is vital for recovery.

Q: What Is the Fastest Way to Recover from Gallbladder Surgery?

A: Rest completely for 24 hours post-surgery. Then, walk regularly and listen to your body to avoid overexertion.