Gallbladder Cancer Treatment In India, Facts About Gall Bladder Cancer

 Gall bladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the tissues of the gall bladder, a small organ located below the liver.

The exact cause of gall bladder cancer is not known, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease, including being female, older age, obesity, and having a history of gallstones.

Symptoms of gall bladder cancer may include abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss.

Gall bladder cancer is difficult to diagnose in its early stages because symptoms may be non-specific or mistaken for other conditions.

Treatment for gall bladder cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors.

The prognosis for gall bladder cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.

Survival rates for gall bladder cancer are generally lower compared to other types of cancer, with an overall 5-year survival rate of around 20%.

Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect gall bladder cancer at an earlier stage when treatment is more effective.

What is Gall bladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer is a rare and aggressive cancer that occurs when cells in the gallbladder grow out of control and form a tumour.

Gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ in the upper right of the abdomen, just under the liver. It stores and delivers bile, a fluid that a liver secretes that helps to digest fats in foods.

Gallbladder cancer begins in the innermost layer of the gallbladder, called the mucosal layer, and spreads outward. It often doesn’t cause signs or symptoms in the early stages.

What are the symptoms and Risk factors Associated with Gall bladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect because symptoms don’t show up in the early stages. When symptoms appear, they are similar to more common conditions, like gallstones or a blockage in a bile duct. Symptoms include:

• Upper abdominal pain

• Yellowed skin and yellowed whites of your eyes (jaundice)

• Lumps in your abdomen

• Unexplained weight loss

• Nausea and vomiting

• Bloating

• Fever

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Risk factors Associated with Gall bladder cancer

Gallstones: Gallstones are the most significant risk factor for gallbladder cancer, with over 75% of patients diagnosed with Gall bladder cancer having a history of gallstones or cholelithiasis. These hardened deposits can lead to chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, which is a precursor to cancer development. The chronic inflammatory state caused by gallstones may result in a cycle of tissue damage and repair that can promote carcinogenesis.

Gender: Gallbladder cancer occurs three to four times as frequently in women as in men. This may be related to the increased frequency of gallstones and chronic inflammation among women.

Age: Gallbladder cancer occurs mainly in individuals over the age of 60. The average age at diagnosis is 72.

Ethnicity and geography: Gallbladder cancer occurs more frequently in Latin Americans, Mexican Americans and Native Americans, while African Americans have the lowest risk. However, gallbladder cancer is less common in the United States compared with countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and South America.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for gallbladder cancer and may be related to an increased risk for developing gallstones.

Chemical exposure: Some studies have shown that exposure to certain industrial chemicals, particularly those used in the rubber and textile industries, may be linked to an increased risk for developing gallbladder cancer. 

Porcelain gallbladder: This is a condition where calcium deposits cover the wall of the gallbladder.

Choledochal cysts: Bile-filled cysts may develop along the common bile duct that leads from the gallbladder and liver to the small intestine. Sometimes the lining of the cysts may develop pre-cancerous cells, increasing the risk for developing cancer.

Bile duct abnormalities: Other conditions that cause the bile duct to back up or result in inflammation of the gallbladder may also raise the risk for developing gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder polyps: These are abnormal growths that form on the gallbladder. They may be caused by cholesterol deposits or by inflammation. Larger polyps (bigger than a centimetre) have a greater chance of being cancerous.

Typhoid: Individuals with a chronic infection caused by salmonella, the bacterium that causes typhoid, may be at increased risk for developing gallbladder cancer.

Diet and Lifestyle Factors: Dietary habits significantly influence the risk of gallbladder cancer. High-fat diets, consumption of fried foods, and low intake of fruits and vegetables are associated with an increased risk. A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to obesity and metabolic syndrome, further elevating the risk for Gall bladder cancer.

What are the treatment Approaches for Gall bladder cancer in India?

In India, getting treatment for gallbladder cancer involves different options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Surgery

Surgery is often the primary treatment for early-stage gallbladder cancer. A surgical oncologist may perform a cholecystectomy, which involves removing the gallbladder and any nearby affected tissues. In some cases, an extended cholecystectomy may be necessary to remove additional tissues, such as affected lymph nodes or parts of the liver. Surgery aims to remove as much of the cancer as possible and may be curative for some patients with localized disease.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. In gallbladder cancer treatment, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is commonly used. This treatment is delivered from outside the body using a machine and is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or to provide palliative relief for symptoms such as pain or obstruction. Radiation therapy aims to shrink tumours, control symptoms, and improve overall quality of life.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to target and kill cancer cells. In gallbladder cancer treatment, chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells, shrink tumours, or prevent recurrence. Chemotherapy drugs are typically administered intravenously or orally and may be given in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy aims to improve survival outcomes and alleviate symptoms associated with advanced or metastatic disease.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that works by using the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. In gallbladder cancer treatment, immunotherapy drugs such as checkpoint inhibitors may be used to boost the immune response against cancer cells. These drugs help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments and is being studied in clinical trials for its potential to improve outcomes in gallbladder cancer patients.

Palliative Procedures

Palliative procedures may be performed to alleviate symptoms caused by advanced gallbladder cancer, particularly when tumours block the digestive tract or cause other complications. These procedures aim to improve quality of life by relieving symptoms such as jaundice, pain, or nausea. Examples of palliative procedures include stent placement to relieve bile duct obstruction, bypass surgery to reroute digestive flow, or drainage of fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites).

Why you should consider Gall bladder cancer treatment in India?

• India offers world class hospitals and Indian doctors are highly qualified and experienced.

• Cost of treatment in India is comparatively much lower than the most other countries in world.

• Best hospitals for Gall bladder cancer treatment in India: Apollo, Artemis, Fortis, Medanta, Manipal, Paras, CK Birla, HCG cancer centre etc. These hospitals in India offer integrated cancer care services, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. This ensures that patients receive holistic treatment for their condition.

If you are suffering from Gall bladder cancer and need help regarding your treatment, please connect to Nishma Health Assist Private Ltd. We will love to answer your queries. Our services are completely free.

Contact Number: +918009003879

Email ID: bdteam@nishmahealthassist.com

Website: https://www.nishmahealthassist.com/