Gallbladder Tumors

What are the Symptoms of a Gallbladder Tumor?

While rare, both benign and cancerous tumors can develop in the bile ducts or in your gallbladder. 

Sometimes gallbladder tumors don’t have any symptoms early on, but common symptoms that may develop include:

• Itchiness
• Weight loss
• Changes in your appetite
• Yellowing of your skin (jaundice)
• Pale stools
• Fever

In addition, cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the gallbladder can obstruct the flow of bile into your digestive system, causing abdominal discomfort and pain, which can be severe.

How are Gallbladder Tumors Diagnosed?

Because symptoms of gallbladder tumors can be similar to gallstones, it’s important that you seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. Blood tests and imaging tests, like an ultrasound or sometimes a CT scan, can help make the diagnosis. If results aren’t clear, another test called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be performed, or a tissue sample may be taken for a biopsy.

Do I Need Surgery to Treat a Gallbladder Tumor?

Initially, you may need exploratory surgery to determine if your gallbladder tumor has spread or to determine the stage of your cancer. Exploratory surgery is a laparoscopic procedure that allows your Naab Road Surgical Group surgeon to access your gallbladder through a small incision in your abdomen. The laparoscope (camera) sends images to an external monitor that your surgeon watches during the procedure to identify other tumors or areas of abnormal tissue.

You may also need surgery as a treatment for your gallbladder tumor, which is most beneficial in the early stages of your cancer. Surgical treatment may alleviate your symptoms and prevent the spread of cancer to other areas of your body.

Will My Gallbladder Be Removed?

To treat early gallbladder cancer that hasn’t spread, your surgeon may remove your gallbladder during a cholecystectomy.

If gallbladder cancer has moved into the liver, you may need surgery to remove both your gallbladder and part of your liver.

In later stages of gallbladder cancer that spreads to other areas of the body, surgery may not be an effective treatment option. In this case, your surgeon may refer you to a cancer specialist for radiation or chemotherapy.

When late-stage cancer of the gallbladder causes an obstruction in the bile ducts, additional surgery may be needed to place a stint in the bile duct to alleviate blockages and related complications.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a gallbladder tumor, schedule a surgical consultation at Naab Road Surgical Group today by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online now.