Question: Gallbladder Cancer Overview
What is gallbladder cancer?
Answer: Gallbladder cancer is a disease that affects the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ located in the abdomen that is responsible for storing bile. It is pear shaped and about 4 inched in length and about 1 inch wide.
Gallbladder cancer usually does not exhibit symptoms until the disease has advanced. Many times, gallbladder cancer is diagnosed during a surgery to remove the organ.
Having gallstones is currently the leading cause of gallbladder cancer. Gallstones allow gallbladder tissue to be exposed to bile longer because it is secreted so slowly because of the stones.
When detected early, gallbladder cancer can be treated with surgery. However, when detected in advanced stages, many time little can be done except to ease symptoms and improve quality of life for the patient. Radiation therapy may be used for advanced cases.
Created: 04/21/06
Sources: American Cancer Society: Gallbladder Cancer Detailed Guide
The Mayo Clinic: Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer usually does not exhibit symptoms until the disease has advanced. Many times, gallbladder cancer is diagnosed during a surgery to remove the organ.
Having gallstones is currently the leading cause of gallbladder cancer. Gallstones allow gallbladder tissue to be exposed to bile longer because it is secreted so slowly because of the stones.
When detected early, gallbladder cancer can be treated with surgery. However, when detected in advanced stages, many time little can be done except to ease symptoms and improve quality of life for the patient. Radiation therapy may be used for advanced cases.
Created: 04/21/06
Sources: American Cancer Society: Gallbladder Cancer Detailed Guide
The Mayo Clinic: Gallbladder Cancer
