Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
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Updated on: November 16, 2019
About Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer originates in the gallbladder wall, a small organ under the liver that mainly functions to store the digestive fluid bile. Gallbladder cancer is generally rare, and nearly all gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinomas, which are a type of cancer in the gland-like cells lining the inside of the gallbladder wall.
Papillary cancer is a form of gallbladder adenocarcinomas that causes growths that form into finger-like projections. While this type of gallbladder cancer is rare, it tends to have a better prognosis than other kinds of gallbladder adenocarcinomas and rarely becomes a metastatic disease. Other forms of gallbladder cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, carcinosarcoma, and adenosquamous carcinoma.
Causes and Risk Factors
As with other cancers, gallbladder cancer is caused by a genetic mutation that results in the unregulated growth of cancer cells. These cancer cells accumulate and can form into a tumor that can then spread to other parts of the body. As mentioned, most gallbladder cancers start in the glandular cells that line the inside of the gallbladder wall, resulting in adenocarcinomas.
The exact cause of these genetic mutations that spark the growth of cancer cells remains unknown, though doctors do know certain risk factors that may contribute to gallbladder cancer diagnosis. Gallstones are the most common risk factor. Gallstones are hard, pebble-like accumulations of cholesterol and other substances that form in the gall bladder. About four out of five people diagnosed with gallbladder cancer also have gallstones. However, gallbladder cancer is still quite rare, and most people with gallstones will not develop gallbladder cancer.
A condition known as gall bladder porcelain, which results in calcium deposits forming in the gallbladder wall, may also be a risk factor. Those with gall bladder porcelain may have a higher risk of developing gallbladder cancer.
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
Gallbladder cancer often causes no known signs or symptoms, and the relatively hidden location of the gallbladder can make the cancer difficult to detect. The most common signs and symptoms of gallbladder that you may notice include:
- Abdominal pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
- Sudden, unintended weight loss
- Fever
- Nausea
- Jaundice in the skin and eyes
If you notice any of these symptoms of gallbladder disease, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosing gallbladder cancer usually involves blood tests to evaluate liver function and tests to create images of the gallbladder. Once the doctor has identified the cancer, they can use further magnetic resonance imaging tests, a CT scan, and exploratory surgery to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it is a poor prognosis or one that can be treated easily.
Staging allows the doctor to determine if the cancer has become a metastatic disease. Staging levels range from 0 to IV. The lower levels suggest that the cancer is confined to the gall bladder, while stage IV suggests that the cancer has spread to distant parts and tissue of the body. Staging also allows the doctor to develop a proper plan for the treatment of gallbladder disease.
About Alternative Gallbladder Cancer Natural Treatment
Early-stage gallbladder cancer is usually treated with surgery to remove the gallbladder and possibly part of the liver if the cancer has spread. Later-stage gallbladder cancers may be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The effectiveness of these procedures varies amongst cancer patients, but many can leave you physically tired and weaken your natural immunities.
This is where alternative and natural treatments come into play. Immunity Therapy Center offers a variety of alternative therapy and holistic treatments that are customized to your individual needs depending on your diagnosis. We offer comfortable facilities to support cancer patients in their healing along with one-on-one consultations to develop individualized treatment plans and to learn more about each and every person who comes to us. Contact us today to learn more and receive your own custom treatment plan.
Sources:
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At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
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