What is gallbladder carcinoma?
The gallbladder is located in the right part of the abdomen, beneath the liver, and it stores the bile fluid produced by the liver. Gallbladder cancer, develops when cells in the gallbladder wall undergo abnormal growth or multiplication for various reasons. Gallbladder cancer, which is rarely seen, can pose a life-threatening risk in advanced stages.
What are the causes of gallbladder cancer?
The causes of gallbladder cancer include smoking, obesity, a family history of the disease, and certain hereditary conditions. It is also more commonly observed in women compared to men, and the risk increases after the age of 50.
What are the symptoms of gallbladder cancer?
In the initial stages, it may not exhibit many symptoms; however, in the later stages, patients may experience sharp and gradually intensifying pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, fatigue, weakness, and jaundice.
How is gallbladder cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosing gallbladder cancer can sometimes be delayed as its symptoms may be confused with other diseases. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate these symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves the evaluation of physical examination results, urine and blood tests, as well as liver function tests. Additionally, imaging methods such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to examine the gallbladder. A biopsy is performed to confirm the definite diagnosis of gallbladder cancer.
How is gallbladder cancer treated?
The treatment of gallbladder cancer can vary depending on the patient’s condition and stage of the disease; however, common treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
