Gallbladder Cancer Treatment in Kolkata
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Overview
Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious condition that begins in the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located just beneath the liver. While uncommon, early detection and proper treatment can improve outcomes. Dr. Debjoy Sau, a leading gallbladder cancer specialist in Kolkata, provides comprehensive care using advanced techniques.
Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms
Early gallbladder cancer often shows no symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, you might experience:
Jaundice: Yellowing of skin and eyes
Upper abdominal pain
Dark urine and light-colored stools
Unexplained weight loss
Itchy skin and fever
A lump in the abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact gallbladder cancer reason remains unclear, some factors increase risk:
Chronic inflammation from gallstones
Family history of gallbladder cancer
Age over 65 years
Female gender
Exposure to certain chemicals
Obesity
Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
Certain ethnicities (Native American, Hispanic)
Porcelain Gallbladder
Adenomyomatosis
Evaluation
The gallbladder cancer diagnosis process includes:
Physical examination
Ultrasound imaging of the gallbladder and surrounding organs
CT scan and MRIs
Biopsy to confirm the presence and type of cancer cells
Gallbladder cancer blood tests to examine liver function
Management
Treatment depends on the gallbladder cancer stages and overall health:
Cholecystectomy (gallbladder cancer operation)
Chemotherapy for gallbladder cancer stage 4
ERCP and stenting to relieve symptoms like itching and cholangitis
Targeted drug therapy and pain management
Radiation therapy with regular monitoring
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FAQs
Know Your Answers
What makes gallbladder cancer hard to detect early?
Early symptoms imitate common digestive issues, and the gallbladder’s location makes tumors hard to feel during routine exams.
Can gallstones cause cancer?
Gallstones can slightly increase the risk of gallbladder cancer, but it’s a rare occurrence. Most people with gallstones never develop cancer.
How long is recovery after surgery?
It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from gallbladder surgery. Most patients are able to return home within 5 to 7 days after the procedure.
Does the removal of the gallbladder affect daily life?
Most people live normally without a gallbladder, though some dietary adjustments may be needed.
Can I live a normal life after gallbladder cancer treatment?
In many cases, yes. You can live a normal life after gallbladder removal. However, you might experience some changes. Your body will digest fats differently, so you may need to adjust your diet. This could involve limiting fatty foods or taking supplements.