Gallbladder cancer is a rare form of cancer that develops in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. While the exact cause of gallbladder cancer is not fully understood, certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Gallbladder cancer can often be difficult to detect in its early stages, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve treatment outcomes.
What Causes Gallbladder Cancer?
Although the exact cause of gallbladder cancer cannot be determined, certain factors can increase the chances of developing this condition. These factors include:
Age: The risk of developing gallbladder cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 65.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.
Gallstones: Having a history of gallstones can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC): PSC is a rare condition that affects the bile ducts and can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.
In addition to the causes mentioned above, there are other risk factors associated with the development of gallbladder cancer. These include:
Smoking
Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins
Diabetes
Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus
How Can Gallbladder Cancer Be Prevented?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent gallbladder cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition. These include:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Limiting alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking
Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B (if you are at risk)
Treating gallstones promptly
How is Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosed?
If you experience symptoms of gallbladder cancer, your doctor may perform several diagnostic tests to determine whether you have this condition. These tests may include:
Blood tests to check for liver function and tumour markers
Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
Biopsy to remove a sample of tissue for testing
Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of gallbladder cancer.
What Are The Stages Of Gallbladder Cancer?
Like other forms of cancer, gallbladder cancer is staged based on the size of the tumour and the extent to which it has spread. The stages of gallbladder cancer are:
Stage 0: The cancer is confined to the innermost layer of the gallbladder.
Stage I: The cancer has spread beyond the innermost layer of the gallbladder but has not yet invaded nearby organs or lymph nodes.
Stage II: The cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder and into nearby organs or lymph nodes.
Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby blood vessels.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.
How Is Gallbladder Cancer Treated?
The treatment options for gallbladder cancer depend on the cancer stage and the patient’s needs. In many cases, surgery is the primary treatment option. This typically involves the removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) and nearby lymph nodes.
Treatment: Surgery (Removal of Gallbladder)
Surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most common treatment for gallbladder cancer. This is typically done through a procedure called a cholecystectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the gallbladder and any nearby lymph nodes.
While surgery is often successful in treating gallbladder cancer, cancer cells that have spread will require different treatments.
These include:
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used in combination with surgery to help destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Targeted Drug Therapy: Targeted drug therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells.
Why Choose Us For Your Gallbladder Cancer Treatment In Singapore?
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Dr Ganesh has had many years of experience in treating complications through gallbladder surgery in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our gallbladder treatments, procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeon for further assistance on gallbladder treatments in Singapore.
As a strong proponent of treating the patient holistically instead of just their condition, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam advises patients as to how they can manage their daily habits and diets to lead healthier lifestyles. As a consultant with G&L Surgical Clinic specialising in General Surgery, he sees many patients with conditions related to the stomach and is skilled in bariatric surgery, upper GI and hernia surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, endoscopies, and trauma.