Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms
Gallbladder cancer often remains asymptomatic in its early stages, which makes early detection challenging. When symptoms do appear, they can be vague and may resemble other conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis (Kersting-Sommerhoff et al., 1993, p. 86).
Common symptoms of gallbladder cancer include:
- Abdominal Pain: Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, especially after eating, is a common symptom. The pain may worsen over time.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood, is a sign that the cancer may be obstructing the bile ducts.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea or vomiting can occur, often due to bile obstruction or the spread of cancer.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden, unexplained weight loss is common in many types of cancer, including gallbladder cancer.
- Loss of Appetite: People with gallbladder cancer often report a reduced desire to eat.
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen, especially after eating a small meal, can occur.
- Fever: In some cases, fever may be present due to infection or inflammation caused by the cancer.
Literature
1. Kersting-Sommerhoff, B., Helmberger, H., & Bautz, W. (1993). Radiologic diagnosis and staging of gallbladder and bile duct tumors. Endoscopy, 25(1), 86–91. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1009130