Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer that begins in the gallbladder. Unfortunately, there are often no symptoms of gallbladder cancer when it is in its earliest stages, making it difficult to diagnose. Once you start having the signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer, the cancer may already be in its late stages, at which point the prognosis is often very poor. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer are as follows:

Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of eyes
Pain
Fever
Loss of appetite
Abdominal bloating
Pain in the upper right abdomen
Nausea
Vomiting
Lumps in the abdomen

These signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer mimic inflammation of the gallbladder due to gallstones. If you have any of these signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer, see your doctor for a further evaluation.

Gallbladder cancer is most common in women who are obese and between the ages of fifty and sixty. Native Americans have a higher risk of gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder cancer is more common in China and India.

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer

Early tests to diagnose gallbladder cancer are generally not available. Tests to assist in the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer once there are signs and symptoms include imaging tests such as an ultrasound, a CT scan or an MRI. Blood tests to evaluate your liver function may also assist your doctor in making a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

National Cancer Institute

Information about gallbladder cancer treatment, clinical trials, research, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/gallbladder/

Medicine Net . com

Get the facts on gallbladder cancer symptoms, causes, diagnosis, stages (unresectable), prognosis, treatment information (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) and statistics.

http://www.medicinenet.com/gallbladder_cancer/article.htm

Gall Bladder Cancer information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, and prognosis.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/g/gall_bladder_cancer/intro.htm

Macmillan

This section is about gall bladder cancer. It describes what it is, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Gallbladder/Gallbladdercancer.aspx

Cancer Compass

Visit our gallbladder cancer forum today to research topics and locate helpful support, resources and information from fellow cancer patients and their loved ones.

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/gallbladder-cancer/1,0,119,21.htm

MD Junction

Gallbladder Cancer Forums. Discussions, Q&A and friends dealing with Gallbladder Cancer

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/gallbladder-cancer-discussions

Medical Resources

Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of cancer of the gallbladder.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallbladder-cancer/DS00425

Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gallbladdercancer.html

Web MD

General information about gall bladder cancer.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/gallbladder-cancer-treatment-patient-information-nci-pdq-general-information-about-gallbladder