Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that often remains symptomless during its early stages. People with conditions such as gallstones or gallbladder infections have a higher risk of developing gallbladder cancer. Unfortunately, it is often not diagnosed until the advanced stages, making the prognosis less favorable. Treatment options include surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Gallbladder cancer occurs when cancer cells grow in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ in the upper right side of your abdomen, just below your liver. It stores and distributes bile, a fluid that your liver secretes to help digest the fats in your foods. Gallbladder cancer starts in the innermost layer of your gallbladder, called the mucosal layer, and spreads outward. It often does not cause signs or symptoms in the early stages. Instead, healthcare providers often discover cancer incidentally after gallbladder surgery.
If gallbladder cancer is in the early stages the cure rate is excellent and the GI surgeon can remove it surgically. Unfortunately, most people do not receive a diagnosis until the cancer has spread beyond their gallbladder.
Detecting gallbladder cancer poses a challenge due to the absence of early-stage symptoms. When symptoms eventually manifest, they often resemble those of more prevalent ailments such as gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
Symptoms include:
Gallbladder cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a relatively rare form of cancer that starts in the cells of the gallbladder. The exact cause of gallbladder cancer is not always clear, but there are several risk factors and potential contributing factors that have been identified. These factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing gallbladder cancer:
Gallstones: The most significant risk factor for gallbladder cancer is the presence of gallstones. Gallstones can cause irritation and inflammation in the gallbladder, which may lead to changes in the gallbladder cells over time, increasing the risk of cancer.
Chronic Inflammation: Conditions that lead to chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, such as chronic cholecystitis, can increase the risk of cancer. This ongoing irritation and inflammation can damage cells and promote cancerous changes.
Porcelain Gallbladder: This rare condition involves the buildup of calcium in the wall of the gallbladder, making it brittle. People with a porcelain gallbladder have an increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer.
Polyps: Gallbladder polyps are growths on the gallbladder’s inner wall. While most polyps are benign, some can become cancerous over time.
Genetic Factors: A family history of gallbladder cancer may increase an individual’s risk, suggesting that there may be some genetic predisposition involved.
Age and Gender: Gallbladder cancer is more common in people over the age of 70, and it tends to affect women more frequently than men.
Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of gallbladder cancer, possibly because it can lead to the development of gallstones.
Diagnosing gallbladder cancer typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and various tests.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Blood Tests
Imaging Tests
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): ERCP is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-rays to examine the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct. It can help identify obstructions or tumors in these ducts.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC): PTC is another procedure used to visualize the bile ducts and obtain samples for biopsy. It involves the injection of contrast dye through the skin and into the liver.
The approach to gallbladder cancer treatment is contingent on several factors, including the tumor’s size, stage, and location. In light of these considerations and the patient’s preferences, our medical team devises the most suitable course of action for managing gallbladder cancer. These options may encompass:
Surgery stands as the foremost treatment choice for gallbladder cancer. Our skilled GI surgeon – Dr. Saurabh Kalia, excised the tumor, along with adjacent tissues. This procedure, known as a cholecystectomy, involves the complete removal of the cancerous growth along with the gallbladder, neighboring tissues, and nearby lymph nodes. Alternatively, laparoscopic surgery is an option, involving minimal incisions and facilitating a swifter recovery.
Chemotherapy entails the administration of anti-cancer medications by our GI surgeon to halt or reduce the tumor’s growth. The method of drug delivery whether intravenously or orally depends on the cancer’s stage.
Our GI surgeons employ high-energy beams to inflict damage on the DNA of cancer cells. This treatment can be employed post-surgery to eliminate any residual cancer cells or prior to surgery to diminish the tumor’s size.
Choosing a GI surgeon in Jaipur for gallbladder cancer surgery is a crucial decision, and Dr. Saurabh Kalia in Jaipur may be a suitable choice for several reasons:
Gallbladder cancer surgery is a procedure to remove cancerous tissue from the gallbladder. You may need it if tests have confirmed the presence of cancer in your gallbladder. The surgery aims to remove the tumor and prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body.
There are several surgical options for gallbladder cancer, such as cholecystectomy, radical cholecystectomy, and extended cholecystectomy. The type of surgery you’ll have depends on the stage and extent of the cancer. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach with you.
Before surgery, you’ll undergo various tests and preparations. During the surgery, you’ll be under anesthesia, and the cancerous tissue will be removed. After surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for a few days for recovery. Your GI surgeon and team will provide post-operative care instructions, including diet, pain management, and follow-up appointments.
Surgery carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, or injury to nearby organs. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before the procedure. Be sure to ask about potential complications and how they can be managed or prevented.
The long-term outlook depends on factors like the cancer stage, your overall health, and the success of the surgery. Recovery can take several weeks, and you may need additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. It’s crucial to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
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Dr Saurabh Kalia is a very good and experienced GI surgeon. If I am safe today, it is because of his treatment. Dr. Saurabh Kalia likes to work very carefully and quickly. He saves the patient first. Thank you, boss.
Thank you so much sir you treated my father-in-law. We did not expect at all that he would be cured like this...your behavior is very commendable and of a high standard...and I have full faith I hope you will continue saving people's lives like this... once again thank you very much, sir.
I have never seen a doctor like this in the past, very intelligent calm and cool. Best in class
Best treatment and behavior by Dr. Kalia... Really the best experience and treatment