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Gallbladder Cancer
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Gallbladder Cancer signs, follow-up guidance, risk factors, testing information, and trusted cancer resources from PINC Foundation.
Gallbladder cancer is uncommon and often does not cause symptoms early. Jaundice or persistent upper-right abdominal symptoms need medical attention.
Gallbladder cancer is primarily diagnosed in older adults and is rare in young people. Symptoms in younger adults are far more often due to gallstones or other conditions, but jaundice still requires prompt evaluation.
• Gallstones and chronic gallbladder inflammation
• Porcelain gallbladder or some gallbladder polyps
• Female sex and increasing age
• Certain bile duct abnormalities or chronic infections
• Family history and higher-risk geographic or ancestry patterns
• Gallstones and chronic gallbladder inflammation
• Porcelain gallbladder or some gallbladder polyps
• Female sex and increasing age
• Certain bile duct abnormalities or chronic infections
• Family history and higher-risk geographic or ancestry patterns
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Pain in the upper-right abdomen
• A lump or swelling in the abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss
• Fever, dark urine, or pale stools
Jaundice should be assessed promptly. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, fever with jaundice, confusion, or repeated vomiting.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Pain in the upper-right abdomen
• A lump or swelling in the abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss
• Fever, dark urine, or pale stools
Jaundice should be assessed promptly. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, fever with jaundice, confusion, or repeated vomiting.
There is no routine screening test for gallbladder cancer in people at average risk. Some gallbladder cancers are found unexpectedly after surgery for gallstones.
• Physical exam and liver blood tests
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT or MRI/MRCP
• Endoscopic tests in selected cases
• Surgery or biopsy to establish the diagnosis when appropriate
There is no routine screening test for gallbladder cancer in people at average risk. Some gallbladder cancers are found unexpectedly after surgery for gallstones.
• Physical exam and liver blood tests
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT or MRI/MRCP
• Endoscopic tests in selected cases
• Surgery or biopsy to establish the diagnosis when appropriate
• Could a blocked bile duct explain these symptoms?
• Which imaging test is most useful first?
• Do I need a gastroenterologist or hepatobiliary surgeon?
• How quickly should jaundice be investigated?
• Could a blocked bile duct explain these symptoms?
• Which imaging test is most useful first?
• Do I need a gastroenterologist or hepatobiliary surgeon?
• How quickly should jaundice be investigated?
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/gallbladder
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/gallbladder-cancer.html
https://www.cancer.gov/types/gallbladder
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/gallbladder-cancer.html
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