Conditions | Gallbladder Cancer

---

Hepatocellular Carcinoma – Gallbladder Cancer

Most gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinomas. An adenocarcinoma is a cancer beginning in the cells that line many internal and external surfaces of the body, including the inside of the digestive system. There are other types of cancer that may develop in gallbladders, but these are uncommon. Low-grade cancers more closely resemble normal gallbladder tissue. High-grade cancers are made up of cells that look very different from normal gallbladder tissue. Typically, low-grade cancers are less likely to spread outside the gallbladder than high-grade cancers, and have a more favourable outlook. Intermediate grade cancers have an appearance and prognosis between that of low- and high-grade cancers. Gallbladder Cancer is very rare with less than one thousands diagnosis every year in the U.K

Symptoms

Typically, the first most noticeable signs of Gallbladder Cancer are:

• abdominal pain

• feeling sick and vomiting

• Jaundice

It is important however to remember the symptoms above can be caused by many different conditions, and aren’t usually the result of cancer.

What is the Gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that is located underneath the liver. The main purpose of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile. Bile is a liquid produced by the liver that helps digest fats. It is passed from the liver through a series of channels, called bile ducts, into the gallbladder, where it is stored. Over time, bile becomes more concentrated, which increases its effectiveness at digesting fats. The gallbladder releases bile into the digestive system when it is needed. The gallbladder is a useful, but not essential, organ. The gallbladder can safely be removed without interfering with your ability to digest food.

What causes Gallbladder Cancer?

Gallbladder cancer involves the abnormal growth of cells within the gallbladder. Although it is not known why this happens, it is thought that certain things can increase your chances of developing the condition. Aspects of your lifestyle, such as obesity, smoking and an unhealthy diet are believed to increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

 

Print Page