Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that originates in the gallbladder. This disease often remains undetected until it reaches an advanced stage, making early diagnosis challenging.
Gallbladder cancer typically begins in the innermost layers of the gallbladder and can spread to nearby organs and tissues. The first areas where it commonly spreads include the liver, surrounding lymph nodes, and sometimes the bile ducts, complicating the treatment and prognosis.
What Are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer?
The symptoms of gallbladder cancer can often be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Early-Stage Symptoms
Early-stage gallbladder cancer symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions, leading to low awareness of the disease as it progresses. These include:
- Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Persistent Abdominal Pain
- Dark Urine or Pale Stools
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fever or Chills
- Itching Skin
- Bloating
- Loss of Appetite
- Unexplained Weight Loss
Advanced-Stage Symptoms
As gallbladder cancer progresses to its later stages, the following symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life:
- Severe Abdominal Pain
- Significant Weight Loss
- Chronic Fatigue
- Swelling in the Abdomen
- Severe Jaundice
What Are the Risk Factors for Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is more common in women and older individuals, especially those over 75. You may be at a higher risk if you have:
- Gallstones
- Chronic Inflammation
- Family History of Gallbladder Cancer
- Obesity
- Chronic Infections (e.g., Salmonella)
If you are at risk for gallbladder cancer, regular monitoring is key.
Book an appointment with our gallbladder cancer specialist for personalised advice based on your health profile.
How Is Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosed?
Gallbladder cancer diagnosis involves a combination of lab tests, imaging tests, endoscopic procedures, and surgical tests. These methods help detect the presence of cancer, determine its stage, and plan appropriate treatment.
- Lab Tests: Blood tests assess liver function and measure specific markers like CEA and CA 19-9, which may indicate cancer.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs provide detailed images of the gallbladder and nearby organs to identify abnormalities.
- Surgical Tests: Biopsies and laparoscopy help confirm the presence of cancer by collecting tissue samples for examination.
What Are the Stages of Gallbladder Cancer?
Cancer staging helps doctors understand the cancer. It tells them how big the cancer is, if it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, and how far it has progressed. This information helps doctors choose the most suitable treatment for you and gives you a better idea of what to expect.
Stage 0
- Gallbladder cancer is found only in the innermost layer of the gallbladder wall. This is also known as carcinoma in situ, meaning the cancer has not spread beyond its original location and is localised.Stage 1
- The cancer has grown into the deeper layers of the gallbladder wall but has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. The tumour is still relatively contained, making it more manageable with surgical intervention.Stage 2
- The cancer has invaded the muscle layer or the connective tissue of the gallbladder. The cancer remains localised but is more advanced than Stage 1, possibly affecting the surrounding tissues.Stage 3
- The cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder to one or more nearby organs, such as the liver, stomach, or small intestine, and possibly to nearby lymph nodes. This stage indicates a more severe and widespread disease requiring more extensive treatment.Stage 4
- This is the most advanced stage, where the cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues, such as the lungs or distant lymph nodes. This stage indicates a critical condition with limited treatment options aimed mostly at palliative care.
What Are the Treatment Options for Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer treatment varies depending on the disease stage and the patient's overall health.
Early-stage Gallbladder Cancer Treatment
When gallbladder cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment options may offer the best chance for successful management and recovery.
Cholecystectomy
- This surgical procedure is often the primary treatment for early-stage gallbladder cancer. It involves removing the gallbladder to eliminate the cancerous tissue, which is often effective in curing the disease if it has not spread.Radiation Therapy
- This treatment uses high-energy rays to destroy any remaining cancer cells after gallbladder cancer surgery or to shrink tumours before surgery.Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, helping lower the risk of cancer coming back after surgery. It can also ease symptoms if surgery is not possible.
Advanced-stage Gallbladder Cancer Treatment
Advanced-stage gallbladder cancer presents additional challenges, requiring a comprehensive approach to treatment that prioritises patient comfort and quality of life.
Targeted Therapy
- This treatment uses drugs or other substances to slow the growth of cancer by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumour growth and progression.Immunotherapy
- Immunotherapy helps to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer more effectively, potentially prolonging survival and improving quality of life.
Our clinic is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes through comprehensive patient care plans.
Meet Our Gallbladder Cancer Specialist
Dr Wong Jen San
Consultant Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic SurgeonMBChB (UK), MMed (S’pore), Msc (S’pore), FRCS (Edin), FAMS
Dr Wong Jen San, a former Visiting Consultant at the Singapore National Cancer Centre, specialises in gallbladder cancer management. He excels in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery and has received advanced training in the UK, Singapore, and Japan. As a founding member of the Hepatopancreatobiliary Association of Singapore, Dr Wong is widely respected in his field. He has also been invited to speak and serve as guest faculty at regional conferences on hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.