Gallbladder Cancer Awareness Month

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer. And many of us are not aware of the disease. On the occasion of February being Gallbladder Cancer Awareness Month, we take an initiative to guide you about Gallbladder cancer, as it is necessary for us to be aware of what is the disease and the facts about it.

Gallbladder , although are very small, play a key role in the digestive system. Gallbladder where the liquid produced from the liver, the bile is stored, to process the fats during digestion and bile duct, is a drainage system for the bile, where it collects the bile from the gallbladder and drains it into the small intestine where it aids in the digestion process.

Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer that arises in the tissue of the gallbladder.

The risk factors included for the Gallbladder cancer are Gallstone where it is mentioned that large and longstanding gall stones are associated with an increased risk of Gallbladder cancer. Geographical region, the geographical variations and its ethnic predisposition or presence of local environment risk factors play a role in the incidence of this cancer, where it is suggested that incidence of the gall bladder cancer in North India is 10 times higher than in South India. Gender, women are considered to have a higher risk of developing gall bladder cancer as compared to men. Diet, is considered a key factor for developing gall bladder cancer.

Gallbladder Cancer detection has to be a challenge for early detection, as the gallbladder cancer symptoms can be indistinct and mimic other conditions. As it has a high tendency to embed onto laparoscopic, peritoneum or laparotomy wounds.  The common most symptoms of Gallbladder cancer are Jaundice, Steady abdominal pain, especially in the upper region, Nausea, bile, and vomiting, Indigestion, Bloating, A lump in the abdomen, Fever, Loss of appetite, Weakness, Unnatural weight loss.

Currently, there are no biochemical tests for the early detection of cancer. Although other screening tests such as USG, CT, PET, MRI, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) are presently used for detection and staging of the tumor. And even laparoscopic biopsy is obtained for the detection of GBC and information on stage and the pathology of the tumor.

The treatment of GBC depends on the stage of the tumor. The primary treatment of GBC involves cholecystectomy or radical surgery, involving removal of the gall bladder, liver resection (hepatectomy) or removal of sections of lymph nodes and/or liver. Hepato-pancreaticoduodenectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy is carried if there is the involvement of duodenum and pancreases. However, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are considered as adjuvant therapy for treating GBC.

Gallbladder cancers are most likely to be diagnosed at the later stages of cancer and are considered to be poor progressive. Hence it is essential to have a correct treatment plan for the disease.

Genetics plays a key role in cancer progression and the choice of treatment. The science has developed many target therapeutic drugs that aid cancer progression, and hence identifying the biomarkers of the tumor is essential to select the targeted therapeutic drugs.

References:

• Banales, J.M., et al. “Expert consensus document: Cholangiocarcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives consensus statement from the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma.” Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology 13 (2016): 261-280.
• Devita, V.T., and T.S. Lawrence. DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology, 10th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health, 2015.
• Feldman, M., L.S. Friedman, and L.J. Brandt. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 10th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders, 2015.
• Keane, M.G., and S.P. Pereira. “Improving the detection and treatment of liver cancer.” Practitioner1763 (2013): 21-26.
• Misra S, Chaturvedi A, Misra NC, et al. Carcinoma of the gallbladder. Lancet Oncol 2003;4:167-176.
• Signs of Gallbladder Cancer – Everything You Need to Know, Cytecare hospitals.