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Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious cancer that begins in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. It is often difficult to detect early because symptoms may not appear until the disease has advanced.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal bloating
- Fever
- Lump or swelling in the abdomen
Diagnosis
Doctors may use several tests to diagnose gallbladder cancer:
- Physical examination and medical history
- Ultrasound scan
- CT scan or MRI
- PET scan
- Blood tests and liver function tests
- Biopsy to confirm cancer cells
- Endoscopic procedures such as ERCP
Treatments
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer:
- Surgery to remove the gallbladder and nearby tissues
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Palliative care to relieve symptoms in advanced stages