An abnormal growth of cells within the gallbladder, a small organ The gallbladder located behind the liver. GBC is a very rare form of cancer, but has is involved in the potential to spread to other body parts, such as the liver or the production lymph nodes. of bile, which helps your body digest fats Am I at risk for GBC? Non-Modifiable Established Risk Possible Risk Risk Factors Factors Factors
Female, 65 years+ History of gallstones Family history of
Incidence rates gallstones or for GBC are gallbladder cancer very rare in Canada, with just 510 National origin from Chronic Exposure to Canadians South America, inflammation environmental toxins diagnosed in South Asia, East such as tobacco 2010 Asia, Israel or Poland
Ancestry from the Polyps (cell growth) Autoimmune
Possessing one Indigenous Peoples within the disorders such as or several risk of the Americas gallbladder ulcerative colitis factors does not mean that you will get Bacterial infections Obesity GBC Anomalous Pancreaticobiliary Junction (APBJ) How do I know if I have GBC? Common symptoms of GBC include: Common Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) symptoms of Pain in the upper right area of the abdomen GBC are not Nausea and vomiting specific to this Bloating, and lumps in the right side of the abdomen disease, so if you have any Initially, the healthcare professional will conduct a physical symptoms, its examination of the abdominal region and take your health history. important to Health history includes a detailed account including incidences of speak with your gallstones or cholecystitis, ethnic origin and family history. primary healthcare If any unexpected findings are noted, a variety of diagnostic tests provider can be performed including an abdominal ultrasound, blood tests to look for tumour markers and evaluate liver functioning, and other imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, endoscopy or angiography. A biopsy of gallbladder tissue is used to confirm a diagnosis of GBC.
Outcomes are What do I do if I have GBC?
better if the Forms of management include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation cancer is and treatment depends on the staging of the cancer. detected early For Stage 1, potentially curative, cancers: Surgery: gallbladder removal, called a cholecystectomy. Chemotherapy: cytotoxic drugs used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells after the cancer and gallbladder have been removed. Radiation: used to try to kill any cancer cells left behind after the surgical removal of the cancer
All forms of For more advanced cancers:
chemotherapy Surgery: palliative surgery is done to relieve or prevent pain have side and complications if the tumour cannot be removed effects, completely. including Chemotherapy: does not cure the cancer, but it may shrink or nausea, hair slow the growth of the tumour. loss and fatigue Radiation: shrink tumors that obstruct blood and bile circulation or are pressing on nerves to decrease symptoms and increase quality of life as palliation