Gallbladder Cancer

Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the tumour, and whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissues.

Possible symptoms include:

• pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen

• persistent abdominal bloating

• feeling sick (nausea)

• loss of appetite

• unexplained weight loss

• fatigue

• a lump in the abdomen

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• dark urine

• pale stools

• itchy skin

• fever

Many of these symptoms can also be caused by more common and less serious conditions, including gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice.

The exact cause of gallbladder cancer is not fully understood. Cancer develops when genetic changes within cells cause them to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.

Several factors are known to increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder cancer risk factors

Risk factors include:

• gallstones

• long-term inflammation of the gallbladder (chronic cholecystitis)

• gallbladder polyps

• porcelain gallbladder (hardening and calcification of the gallbladder wall)

• certain abnormalities of the bile ducts

• obesity

• smoking

• increasing age

• being female

• a family history of gallbladder cancer

• certain infections, including chronic Salmonella infection

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop gallbladder cancer. Many people diagnosed with gallbladder cancer have no obvious risk factors.

At Welbeck, your consultant will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant risk factors. They may also perform a physical examination.

If gallbladder cancer is suspected, further investigations will usually be required.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• blood tests, including liver function tests

• abdominal ultrasound

• CT scan

• MRI scan

• magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

• endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

• endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

• biopsy to obtain a tissue sample

In some cases, imaging tests may identify a suspicious abnormality before symptoms develop. Your consultant may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, determine the stage of the cancer, and assess whether it has spread.

This information helps your specialist team recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual circumstances.

It’s not always possible to prevent gallbladder cancer. However, certain lifestyle measures may help reduce your risk.

These include:

• maintaining a healthy weight

• eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and fibre

• limiting processed foods and saturated fats

• staying physically active

• avoiding smoking

• seeking treatment for gallstones or gallbladder disease when recommended

• attending regular medical reviews if you have known gallbladder abnormalities

While these measures cannot guarantee prevention, they can help support overall digestive and general health.

Without treatment, gallbladder cancer can continue to grow and spread to nearby organs, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.

Potential complications include:

• blockage of the bile ducts

• severe jaundice

• liver dysfunction

• infection of the bile ducts

• persistent abdominal pain

• digestive problems

• cancer spreading to other organs

It’s important to remember that treatment options continue to improve, and many people benefit from specialist care designed to control symptoms, slow progression, and maintain quality of life.

Early assessment offers the best opportunity for effective treatment and should always be sought if symptoms are concerning or persistent.

While we do not currently offer cancer treatment at Welbeck, your diagnosing consultant will ensure that you’re referred to the correct teams so that the next steps can be started as quickly as possible.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, its location, whether it has spread, and your general health.

Your consultant will discuss all available options and create a personalised treatment plan.

Treatment options may include:

• surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)

• surgery to remove surrounding liver tissue and nearby lymph nodes, called radical cholecystectomy

• chemotherapy

• radiotherapy

• immunotherapy in highly selected cases

• targeted cancer treatments where appropriate

• stenting procedures to relieve blocked bile ducts

• supportive and palliative care to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life

For some people, surgery may offer the best chance of long-term disease control if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. More advanced cases may require a combination of treatments.

At Welbeck, our digestive health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.