Six symptoms of one of the rarest types of cancer

According to oncologist Dmitry Gornostaev, gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect in the early stages because the organ is located deep in the body.

As with other types of cancer, symptoms can often be absent. Sometimes gallbladder cancer is discovered unexpectedly after the gallbladder is removed for another reason, such as gallstones.

The gallbladder is located in the upper right part of the abdomen and is adjacent to the liver. Cancer spreads from inside and outside.

— However, if symptoms do occur, they may include: jaundice, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, bloating, fever, and itchy skin.

Jaundice can include yellowing of the skin, gums, and inner lips, as well as yellowing of the whites of the eyes.

The five-year survival rate for this type of cancer is 19% (that is, 19 out of 100 people will live for five years). The rate depends on a number of factors: the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, the patient’s general health, etc. “If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs or regional lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 28 percent. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the survival rate is only two percent,” Gornatolev said.

Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease that develops in association with gallstones and chronic cholecystitis. It is most often diagnosed in women over the age of 50.

Risk factors:

Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.

Bile duct cysts.

Smoking.

Age.

Gallbladder polyps.

Obesity.

Unhealthy diet: A diet high in carbohydrates and low in fiber increases the risk of developing gallbladder tumors.

To prevent gallbladder cancer, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy weight, eating enough fruits and vegetables, and limiting animal fats. Daily physical activity is important. It is important to remember that treating gallbladder stones reduces the risk of chronic inflammation and cancer development.