Gallbladder And Bile Duct Cancer Can Be Silent – Spot These Symptoms Early!

Cancer is a disease where early detection can make a significant difference in survival rates. However, some cancers have very subtle symptoms and are easy to overlook, leading to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. So which cancers fall into this category? It’s Gallbladder and bile duct cancer. Although rare, these cancers can be aggressive, and by the time they are detected, treatment becomes more challenging.

Hence, to understand these cancers better, Dr Kanchan Motwani, Consultant, HPB and Liver Transplant, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, explains the risk factors, symptoms, and why early detection is critical.

Why Are These Cancers a Concern?

Gallbladder cancer is more prevalent. Women are three to five times more likely to develop gallbladder cancer than men. The risk is also higher in northern India, where cases are increasingly seen in younger people.

“Gallbladder cancer is particularly common in the North Indian belt and often affects younger patients. This shows the role of genetic and environmental factors in its occurrence, making regular screenings crucial for those at risk,” says Dr Motwani.

Gallstones are one of the leading risk factors for gallbladder cancer. Around 60 to 80 per cent of people diagnosed with gallbladder cancer also have gallstones. The good news is that the timely removal of gallstones through a simple laparoscopic or robotic surgery, known as cholecystectomy, can help prevent gallbladder cancer in high-risk people.

Meanwhile, bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma, is more common in older adults. Several factors contribute to an increased risk, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, parasitic infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and hepatitis B and C infections.

“Bile duct cancers are relatively rare but highly aggressive. Unfortunately, they are often diagnosed late because their symptoms overlap with common digestive issues. This makes early screening even more important,” explains Dr Motwani.

Key Symptoms To Watch Out For

Recognizing the symptoms of gallbladder and bile duct cancer at an early stage can improve survival rates. Dr Motwani shares

Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin and Eyes)

Jaundice is one of the most noticeable early signs of bile duct cancer. “Jaundice occurs when a tumour blocks the bile ducts, causing a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. If someone experiences persistent yellowing of the skin and eyes, they should consult a doctor immediately,” says Dr Motwani.

Abdominal Pain in the Upper Right Side

Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen is common in both gallstones and gallbladder cancer. The pain may vary from dull to sharp and can be either intermittent or constant. It is often mistaken for acidity or gas, leading many to ignore it until it worsens.

Unexplained Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite

A sudden decrease in appetite or unintentional weight loss without any changes in diet or exercise should be taken seriously. “When cancer cells grow, they alter the body's metabolism, leading to weight loss and reduced appetite. If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, medical attention is needed,” warns Dr Motwani.

Dark Urine and Pale Stools“A tumour in the bile duct can cause dark-coloured urine and pale stools due to reduced bile flow. These changes are often dismissed but should be checked through an abdominal ultrasound,” says Dr Motwani.

Itchy Skin (Pruritus)

Bile salts accumulate in the skin when bile flow is obstructed, causing persistent itching. This symptom is particularly common in bile duct cancer and does not improve with regular anti-itch treatments.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common digestive symptoms, but when they occur frequently, especially after meals, they could indicate a bile duct obstruction. As the tumour grows, it can further disrupt digestion, leading to ongoing discomfort.

Fever and Chills

In some cases, patients with bile duct obstruction develop an infection known as cholangitis, which leads to fever and chills. This condition can become severe and requires immediate medical attention.

Fatigue and Weakness

Chronic fatigue is a common early symptom of various cancers. In gallbladder and bile duct cancer, fatigue may be related to the body's inability to properly digest food and absorb essential nutrients.

Digestive Issues Such as Bloating and Indigestion

“When bile flow is blocked, digestion is affected, leading to bloating, indigestion, and discomfort after meals. If these symptoms are persistent, they should not be ignored,” adds Dr Motwani.

How Are These Cancers Diagnosed and Treated?Since early symptoms can be mistaken for common digestive problems, many cases of gallbladder and bile duct cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages. Routine health checkups, especially for those at high-risk, can help detect these cancers sooner.

“A simple ultrasound of the abdomen can detect early-stage gallbladder and bile duct abnormalities. If any irregularities are found, further tests like MRI, CT scans, or biopsies may be required,” explains Dr Motwani.

Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. In the early stages, surgery is the most effective treatment. If the tumour is completely removed, followed by chemotherapy if necessary, long-term survival rates improve significantly. However, in advanced stages, treatment options become limited, and the focus shifts to managing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Preventive Measures

Gallbladder cancer can be prevented through the timely removal of gallstones. Managing lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity can also help lower the risk of bile duct cancer.

“If someone experiences persistent symptoms like jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or upper right abdominal pain, they should consult a specialist as soon as possible. Early detection through a simple ultrasound can save lives,” advises Dr Motwani.

Cancer symptoms are often ignored because they resemble minor health issues. However, when it comes to gallbladder and bile duct cancer, paying attention to early warning signs can be life-saving.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.