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Gallbladder Cancer
Understanding Your Diagnosis Deciding on Treatment Managing Side Effects Cancer FAQs Advanced Reading
The gallbladder is a small organ that lies under your liver. Most gallbladder cancer cases occur in people older than 70. This type of cancer strikes women about twice as often as men.
Overview
Having gallstones is the most common risk factor for this type of cancer. Up to 90 percent of people with gallbladder cancer also have gallstones and an inflamed gallbladder.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
Cancer of the gallbladder is often hard to detect, partly because of its interior location. Many people do not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
Deciding on Treatment
Your treatment plan will depend on your age and health, and the extent of your disease. You may need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
Managing Side Effects
Your doctor or nurse can explain the possible side effects of your treatment and can help manage these side effects. It's important that you let your doctor or nurse know if you experience any side effects.
Advanced Reading
Learn more about gallbladder cancer from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ®) for patients. It includes information about prevention, screening, and treatment.
