Gallbladder Cancer Treatment & Surgery | Dr. Ashok Kumar

Gallbladder Cancer Treatment & Surgery

Expert Surgical Oncology by Dr. Ashok Kumar, MCh SGPGI

Call 05226664444Book Appointment

What is Gallbladder Cancer?

Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive malignancy. Often diagnosed at advanced stages due to lack of early symptoms. Risk factors include gallstones, chronic inflammation, and obesity. Dr. Ashok Kumar specializes in comprehensive surgical management including extended cholecystectomy with hepatic resection when indicated.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Clinical Presentation

  • Abdominal pain in right upper quadrant
  • Jaundice
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal mass

Risk Factors

  • Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
  • Chronic cholecystitis
  • Obesity
  • Age over 65
  • Female gender

Diagnosis

Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, MRI cholangiopancreatography. Labs: Liver function tests, CA 19-9. Staging: Determines surgical approach and prognosis. Early diagnosis rare; most cases advanced at presentation.

Surgical Treatment

Extended Cholecystectomy

Standard treatment removes gallbladder plus surrounding tissue, lymph nodes, and sometimes liver segments for complete tumor resection. Dr. Ashok Kumar performs this complex surgery with expertise in hepatic resection techniques.

Dr. Ashok Kumar: MCh SGPGI, FRCS, FACS. Expert in advanced surgical oncology including hepatic resection and complex biliary surgery.

Outcomes & Prognosis

Prognosis depends on stage and resectability. Complete resection offers best outcomes. Median survival ranges from 12-24 months depending on stage at diagnosis. Early detection through screening high-risk patients improves outcomes.

Contact Charak Hospital

Phone: 05226664444

Book Appointment

Dr. Ashok Kumar

Surgical Gastroenterologist

  • MCh - SGPGI
  • FRCS
  • FACS
  • 25+ Years
Profile

About gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer starts in the lining of the gallbladder, the small organ under the liver that stores bile. It is more common in northern India, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, than in many other parts of the world, and is more frequent in women.

Risk factors

  • Long-standing gallstones, the most important risk factor
  • Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder
  • Gallbladder polyps larger than about 1 cm
  • Porcelain (calcified) gallbladder
  • Abnormal joining of the pancreatic and bile ducts
  • Obesity and increasing age

Symptoms

Early gallbladder cancer often causes no symptoms and is sometimes found when a gallbladder removed for stones is examined under the microscope. Later symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the upper right abdomen
  • Jaundice
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • A lump under the right ribs
  • Nausea

Diagnosis and staging

Ultrasound may first raise suspicion. A contrast CT or MRI scan shows the extent of the tumour and whether it has spread to the liver, lymph nodes or other organs. Endoscopic ultrasound or a biopsy may be needed, and in some cases a PET-CT scan is used for staging.

Treatment

  • Surgery for early-stage cancer: removal of the gallbladder with part of the adjacent liver and nearby lymph nodes (radical or extended cholecystectomy).
  • Re-operation when cancer is found unexpectedly after routine gallbladder removal, to remove remaining disease.
  • Chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy, before or after surgery or as the main treatment for advanced disease.
  • Stenting to relieve jaundice and other supportive care.

Can it be prevented?

Because gallstones are the main risk factor, people with symptomatic gallstones, large polyps or a calcified gallbladder are often advised to have the gallbladder removed. Discuss with your surgeon whether this applies to you.

Frequently asked questions

Should I remove my gallbladder if I have stones?

Gallstones that cause symptoms are usually treated by removing the gallbladder. For stones without symptoms, the decision depends on factors such as stone size, polyps and your overall health.

Is gallbladder cancer curable?

When found early and completely removed with surgery, long-term cure is possible. Advanced cancer is treated to control the disease and relieve symptoms.

Why is it common in North India?

The exact reasons are still being studied. A high rate of gallstone disease is believed to be an important factor.

Related pages

Book a consultation: call 0522-666-4444 or use the request call back form on this page. In an emergency, come straight to the 24/7 emergency department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, Lucknow.