Gallbladder cancer occurs due to presence of malignant cells in the tissue of gall bladder. It is usually not found at an early stage as it does not cause any symptoms in most of the cases. Most of the times it is detected unexpectedly after histopathological examination of the gall bladder that was removed due to other reasons like gall stones etc.
Symptoms of Gall Bladder Cancer
Although it remains asymptomatic in most of the cases but when symptoms do occur, they include the following:
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Jaundice or yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes
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Severe abdominal pain
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A lump in the abdomen
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Nausea and vomiting
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Bloating
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Fever with chills
Diagnosis of Gall Bladder Cancer
A physical examination and patient history along with the following diagnostic tests help in making a diagnosis of the gall bladder cancer:
Ultrasound
Liver function tests
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or CA 19-9 assay
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
PTC (percutaneous trans hepatic cholangiography)
CT scan
MRI
X-ray
Biopsy
Blood tests
Laparoscopy for Gall Bladder Cancer
Laparoscopy can fulfil dual function in case of gall bladder carcinoma. One, it can be performed to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the abdominal organs and check for signs of disease. It helps to find out if the cancer is within the gallbladder only or has spread to nearby tissues. Secondly, it can also be performed to remove an early stage carcinoma of the gall bladder.
Through small incisions in the abdomen, a laparoscope is inserted along with other instruments to perform procedures such as removal of gall bladder or taking tissue samples for biopsy.
Advantages of Laparoscopy
Faster recovery
Only few hours or overnight hospitalization
Sooner return to work
Very less pain during and after the procedure
Smaller incisions without any cut on abdominal muscles
Negligible risks and complications
Less chances of wound infection
High success rate with more than ninety-percent of symptom free patients after ten years of the procedure
