Gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer are rare. For this reason it’s very important to learn the signs and symptoms to spread awareness.

The gallbladder is a small 4″ organ below the liver in the upper right side of the abdomen. It plays an important role by storing the bile that the liver produces. Bile aids digestion by breaking down fat. Though the role of the gallbladder is important, you can live without it. The liver seems to function the same without it by storing the bile in bile ducts.

Risk Factors And Causes

While gallbladder cancer is rare, gallstones are the most common affliction associated with the gallbladder and gallstones are also the most common indicator of being at risk for gallbladder cancer. This does not mean that gallstones will always indicate cancer. However they are associated with some people who get gallbladder cancer. In addition to gallstones, the following are also risk factors:

• Gallbladder polyps. Polyps are small growths made from a buildup of cholesterol and are usually harmless, however on rare occasion they can be small, cancerous tumors.
• Being over 65 years old. Gallbladder cancer risk increases with age with the average age at  diagnosis being 72.
• Being female. Women are twice as likely to develop gallbladder cancer.
• Native American or Hispanic ethnicity.
• Having a family member who has had gallbladder cancer.
• History of an abnormality in the bile ducts.
• Being obese or overweight.
• Having a porcelain gallbladder, a condition in which the gallbladder walls harden with calcium deposits.

Risk factors for Bile Duct Cancer are similar to the risks for gallbladder cancer including obesity, having a family history of bile duct cancer and being of Native American or Hispanic ethnicity as well as the following risk factors:

• Having inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Having diabetes can increase a person’s risk for bile duct cancer.
• High alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption is a higher risk factor for those who have alcohol-related liver problems and also a risk for other diseases and cancer.
• Other diseases of the liver or bile ducts. Conditions such as bile duct stones, cirrhosis, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, and other conditions that cause chronic inflammation.
• An exposure to Thorotrast, which a substance that was used for x-ray contrasts before the 1950s. Thorotrast is not used any more.

Signs And Symptoms

Because of its rarity, many of these symptoms can be related to another condition so it is always best to see your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms.  

• Abdominal pain, especially below the ribs on the right side.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes. This called jaundice and occurs when the liver has a blockage and cannot get rid of bile. This is common symptom of bile duct cancer, but is often a symptom of something else, such as gallstones. Be sure to see your doctor for evaluation.
• Losing weight without trying and loss of appetite.
• Itchy skin.
• Fever.
• Dark urine.
• Nausea or vomiting. Although these are rare symptoms, nausea or vomiting can be the result of a blockage in the bile duct and should always be checked by your doctor.

Prevention

Reducing risk for any cancer can be choosing lifestyle changes such as staying at a healthy weight, exercising and eating a heathy diet. In addition, the American Cancer Society offers these tips for reducing your risk:

• Stay as lean as possible without being underweight.  Avoid gaining extra weight at any age.
• Be physically active regularly.  Adults need 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise every week.
• Limit staying seated for long periods and other sedentary activities such as watching TV.
• Eat a plant-based diet. Eat five cups of fruits and vegetables a day and limit your consumption of red meat and processed meat.
• Choose whole grains over processed grains.
• Limit alcohol consumption. This means one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
• Don’t smoke, or quit if you do smoke.

Help spread awareness about gallbladder and bile duct cancer. Make good choices for yourself and family and help others to understand the importance of healthy lifestyle choices by sharing this blog or posting on social media.

Please call Mid Florida Cancer Centers for an appointment or if you have any questions regarding this blog or any questions regarding evaluation or treatment for yourself or family member, 386-774-1223