Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that is usually diagnosed in the late stages. The five-year survival rate for gallbladder cancer patients is approximately 10-20%. The stage of the cancer, the type of treatment received, and the patient’s overall health can all affect the survival rate.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for gallbladder cancer include older age, female gender, family history, chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, and certain inherited conditions.
Detection and Diagnosis
Gallbladder cancer is often difficult to detect and diagnose. The most common symptom is jaundice, which is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and fatigue.
A blood test to check for the presence of cancer cells, an ultrasound to detect any abnormalities in the gallbladder, a CT scan to look for any tumors, and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis are all used to detect and diagnose gallbladder cancer.
Treatment
Treatment options for gallbladder cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. The type of treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Outlook
The outlook for gallbladder cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of treatment received, and the patient’s overall health. The five-year survival rate for gallbladder cancer patients is approximately 10-20%.