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Gall Bladder Cancer |
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General Information
Located beneath the liver, the gall bladder is a small organ, usually no more than 4 inches long and 1 inch wide, that resembles the shape of a pear. The primary function of the gall bladder is to concentrate and store bile that is used to help in the digestion of fats in the small intestine. When food is in the process of being digested, the gall bladder releases bile into the small intestine, through the common bile duct. Although other types of cancer may develop, the majority of all gall bladder cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are cancers that begin in the cells that line many of the internal and external surfaces of the body, such as the digestive system.
Gall Bladder Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that has the potential to increase the chances of developing a condition or disease such as cancer. Although some risk factors, such as smoking, are common to a number of different cancer types, different types of cancer often have a number of unique risk factors. Although these risk factors can increase your chances of developing cancer, they do not mean that you will develop the disease. Potential risk factors for developing gall bladder cancer include:
- Exposure to certain industrial and environmental chemicals such as azotoluene and nitrosamines.
- Chronic inflammation of the gall bladder and the presence of gallstones.
- Being overweight or obese.
- A poor diet low in fiber and high in carbohydrates.
- The presence of gall bladder polyps.
- A family history of gall bladder cancer.
Other potential risk factors for developing gall bladder cancer include age and gender. Occurrences of gall bladder cancer are more common in women than in men, and the risk of developing it increases with age.
In the early stages, gall bladder cancer does not often result in noticeable symptoms, and because the gall bladder is located deep inside the body, early tumors cannot be felt or seen during exams. When it is found in the early stages, it is often the result of the gall bladder being removed as treatment for gall stones. As the cancer grows and spreads, potential gall bladder cancer symptoms may begin to become apparent. These possible symptoms can include:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swelling in the abdominal area
Although these potential gall bladder symptoms may be the result of gall bladder cancer, they may also be the result of other conditions. If you experience any of these potential gall bladder symptoms, it is imperative that you make it a point to visit our doctor. Only a medical professional can tell you if your symptoms are the result of gall bladder cancer or another condition.
Gall Bladder Cancer Treatment
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we utilize the most advanced treatment methods available and work with every one of our patients to ensure that we understand their unique prognosis and treatment requests. This integrative approach ensures that all of our patients receive a comprehensive treatment plan designed around their individual needs. Some of the most common treatments for gall bladder cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. We integrate these gall bladder treatments with a variety of other conventional and alternative treatment options to create a treatment plan that is holistic and patient-centered.
Gall Bladder Cancer Prognosis
A gall bladder prognosis depends on many factors. These include the location and size of the cancer, whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body, age, and general health. Hearing your gall bladder prognosis is never easy, but it's important to remember that a prognosis is not set in stone, and there is hope. If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed, you probably have several questions. Whether you're looking for a second opinion or need information about the gall bladder treatment options that are available, the Oncology Information Specialists at CTCA can help. Our OIS staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you navigate what can be a confusing process. Simple call 800-615-3055 or click here to chat online.
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