Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats.
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, or unexplained weight loss. Because the gallbladder is tucked away behind other organs, cancers here can go unnoticed until they’re advanced.
Doctors use imaging tests, blood work, and biopsies to diagnose gallbladder cancer. Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy.
Types of gallbladder cancer include:
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type of gallbladder cancer. It starts in the gland-like cells that line the inside of the gallbladder. There are a few subtypes:
- Papillary Adenocarcinoma: tends to grow more slowly and may have a better outlook.
- Mucinous and Clear Cell Types: very rare subtypes.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A rare form that starts in the flat cells lining the gallbladder. It tends to be more aggressive.
- Adenosquamous Carcinoma: Contains both glandular and squamous cells. Also rare and tends to grow quickly.
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): Extremely rare in the gallbladder, these tumors arise from hormone-producing cells.
- Sarcoma: Very rare. These cancers form in the muscle or connective tissue of the gallbladder wall.
For more information about gallbladder cancer, please visit the organizations listed below.
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External Resources
Organizations for Gallbladder Cancer
Cancer Information and Support
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