Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms & Signs
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What Are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer?
Finding gallbladder cancer while it is still at an early stage increases the chance for successful treatment. While symptoms usually do not develop until the cancer is at an advanced stage, being aware of the possible symptoms and discussing them with your doctor right away if you experience them may improve the chance of catching it and treating it at an earlier stage.
Possible gallbladder cancer symptoms include:
- Abdominal Pain – This pain is usually located in the upper- or upper-right abdomen.
- Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes may be caused by a backup of bile resulting from the tumor blocking a duct.
- Gallbladder Enlargement – Because the gallbladder is surrounded by other organs, it may be hard to notice an increase in its size, but sometimes a doctor can feel it during a physical examination. An increase in gallbladder size may also be detected through imaging tests, such as an ultrasound.
- Other Symptoms – Gallbladder cancer may sometimes be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal swelling, severe itching, or black, tarry stools.
It is important to recognize that many signs of gallbladder cancer can also be associated with non-cancerous conditions such as gallstones, hepatitis or other liver dysfunction, and many other digestive system disorders. Therefore, if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should discuss them with your doctor in order to identify the cause and receive the right treatment, if necessary.
NOTE: These symptoms may be attributed to a number of conditions other than cancer. It is important to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
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