Gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer that begins in the gallbladder. The diagnosis of gallbladder cancer is difficult as there are no specific symptoms for it. If the gallbladder cancer is identified at an early stage, there can be a chance for cure. But in most cases, the gallbladder cancer is identified in late stages where the chance for cure is low.

The gallbladder cancer develops in the body undetected because of its size and position in the body.

Causes of Gallbladder Cancer

The actual causes of gallbladder cancer are not identified yet. But the doctors believe that gallbladder cancer is caused when there are mutations in the DNA of healthy gallbladder cells. These mutations cause the abnormal growth of the gallbladder cells, there by leads to the death of other cells in the body. These accumulated cells cause a tumour in the gallbladder and can also spread to the other organs of the body.

People with gallstones have high chances of developing gallbladder cancer. The risk of developing gallbladder increases with the age and is common in women than in men.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

The following are some of the symptoms of gallbladder cancer:

• Pain in the right portion of the abdomen
• Bloating
• Fever and nausea
• Weight loss
• Jaundice

Laparoscopy Surgery for Gallbladder Cancer

Laparoscopy surgery is a procedure in which a small instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to look into the abdomen. To treat gallbladder cancer, doctors use laparoscopy. During the laparoscopy, two or three small cuts are made near the tummy button or on the sides of the abdomen. The doctor inserts a tube through one of the cuts, with a camera and light. The pictures can be seen on a TV. The doctor views the gallbladder for any signs of cancer and also to identify the size of the cancer.

Once the procedure is completed, the doctor removes the instrument and stitches the cuts. If the doctor identifies any inflammed gallbladder, your gallbladder might be removed to treat this cancer. This type of surgery is called radical cholecystectomy.
Radical cholecystectomy is easy for the patients as it is least invasive. Patients may have pain at the cuts for a few days after the surgery. But, the pain vanishes eventually with the use of medicine.