What is gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer is a cancer that affects your gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located below the liver on the right side of the abdomen. It is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages because it may not cause any noticeable symptoms until it has advanced, says a gallbladder cancer doctor in Kolkata. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which begins in the glandular cells lining the interior of the gallbladder.

According to a medical oncologist in Kolkata, the most common symptoms include :

1. Abdominal pain 2. Jaundice 3. Nausea and vomiting 4 . Fever 5. Itching 6. Fatigue

There are a number of factors that might increase the risk of developing the disease, including :

1. Gallstones : Gallstones refer to solid pieces of material that form in the gallbladder. Chronic inflammation caused by gallstones can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. 2. Gender and age : Gallbladder cancer is more common in women than men, and it is typically diagnosed in people over the age of 60. 3. Genetics : Some inherited genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. 4. Porcelain gallbladder : Porcelain gallbladder is a condition in which the gallbladder wall becomes covered in calcium deposits. People with a porcelain gallbladder have a higher risk of developing gallbladder cancer. 5. Chronic inflammation : Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, such as from chronic infections or autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. 6. Obesity : Obesity comes with a risk factor for several types of cancer, including gallbladder cancer. 7. Environmental toxins : Exposure to certain environmental toxins, like nitrosamines and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), may increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.

As per the best oncologist in Kolkata, the treatment of gallbladder cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. The most common treatment options include:

1. Chemotherapy : It involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used in combination with surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or in cases where cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder. 2. Radiation therapy : It uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancerous cells. This treatment is often used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy to shrink tumours before surgery or to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery. 3. Surgery : Surgery is often the preferred treatment for gallbladder cancer. The most common surgery is cholecystectomy, which involves removing the gallbladder, as well as the nearby tissues and lymph nodes that may be affected by cancer.