Diseases of the gall-bladder are commoner in females than males. Gall-bladder cancer occurs in older age-group people.
Cause(s)
It is not known. A diseased gall-bladder having gall-stones which irritate its wall may make it more liable to develop cancer.
Symptoms
The symptoms are vague. Abdominal discomfort, or pain in the upper abdomen or under the right ribs. These are:
· Indigestion.
· Loss of appetite.
· Loss of weight.
· Jaundice in the later stages.
Diagnosis
· Routine: Blood: Hb, RBC, TLC, DLC may be normal.
· Special: Cholecystography
· Ultrasonoscopy of the gall-bladder.
· Biopsy examination after opening the abdomen surgically, confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment
The patient usually presents herself/himself in the later stages of the disease when it has infiltrated and spread in the surrounding areas. Hence, the cure is usually not possible. Vague symptoms lead to late diagnosis.
· Surgery: It may be of some help, only in the early stages.
· Radiation: It can lessen the symptoms and keep the disease under control for some time.
· Chemotherapy: It is given, but is not curative.
Early Detection
Signs & Symptoms
· History of having had gallbladder disease.
· Vague discomfort in upper right abdomen.
· Loss of appetite.
· Loss of weight.
Investigations
· Ultrasonoscopy of the gallbladder.
· Biopsy examination after opening up the abdomen.