ZenHeal Cancer Hospital
Gallbladder Cancer: symptoms, tests and treatment
Gallbladder cancer is more common in northern India than in many other regions. Early disease may be found when the gallbladder is removed for stones; later disease often presents with pain, jaundice or a mass. Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatments.
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Warning signs of gallbladder cancer
- Pain in the upper right abdomen that does not settle
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
- A lump felt under the right ribcage
- Unexplained weight loss or fever
These signs often have other causes. If one lasts more than two to three weeks, see a doctor and get it checked.
Who is at higher risk
- Long-standing gallstones
- Porcelain (calcified) gallbladder
- Obesity and female sex
- Chronic typhoid carrier state
- Family history of gallbladder cancer
How gallbladder cancer is diagnosed
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1
Ultrasound
Often the first test that shows a thickened gallbladder wall or a mass.
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2
CT or MRI
Shows how far the tumour has grown into the liver or nearby organs and whether lymph nodes are involved.
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3
Biopsy or surgery
Confirms the diagnosis. Sometimes cancer is found only after a gallbladder removed for stones is examined under the microscope.
Treatment options
The right plan depends on the stage, the type of cancer and your overall health. Most patients receive more than one of these.
Surgery
Removal of the gallbladder with a rim of liver and nearby lymph nodes when the cancer is operable.
Chemotherapy
Given after surgery to lower the chance of return, or as the main treatment when surgery is not possible.
Supportive care
Jaundice may need a stent or drainage so that chemotherapy and nutrition can continue safely.
Gallbladder Cancer treatment at ZenHeal Cancer Hospital
Surgical oncologists at ZenHeal assess whether gallbladder cancer can be removed and plan chemotherapy at the same hospital. Call +91 99307 09000 for a same-day Free OPD.
ZenHeal Cancer Hospital, Varanasi
Dafi Highway, Opposite Aryan International School Road, Amara Bypass, Dafi
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ZenHeal Cancer Hospital, Prayagraj
9, Malviya Road, George Town, Near Police Station
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Where to get treatment
Read the city guide for gallbladder cancer treatment in Varanasi on ZenOnco.io, then book a same-day Free OPD with us.
04 / Beyond treatment
Care that supports you through treatment, recovery and beyond.
Support for families: free helpline for patients and families from our NGO partner Love Heals Cancer.
Common questions about gallbladder cancer
No. Most people with gallstones never develop cancer. Persistent pain, jaundice or a mass on ultrasound needs further checks.
Early disease found after gallbladder removal, or removed with a clear margin, can be cured. Later stages are treated to control the disease and relieve symptoms.
There is no routine population screening. Relatives with symptoms or known gallstones should see a doctor for advice.