Most people are unaware of the signs of gallbladder or bile duct cancer, but the Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Jersey states that everyone should be knowledgeable about this concerning type of cancer.
The gallbladder is a small organ connected to the liver via the bile ducts, and its function is to store bile produced by the liver to help digest fats. However, when cancerous cells develop in the gallbladder, they typically begin to form in the inner layers and gradually spread to surrounding tissues, making it difficult to detect this cancer early or during routine physical examinations. Fortunately, gallbladder cancer is rare.
Although it does not cause symptoms until later stages, there are some signs that occasionally appear, including lumps in the abdomen, feelings of nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. The bile ducts are slender tubes that are crucial for transporting bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile duct cancer occurs when there is abnormal cell growth in any part of this complex duct system.
Additionally, chronic inflammation of the bile ducts increases the risk of bile duct cancer, as does aging and inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of bile duct cancer include jaundice, itching, dark urine, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. It is worth mentioning that polyps, cysts, and other lumps can be early symptoms of these cancers, and in such cases, surgery to remove them is the best preventive measure.
