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Gallbladder cancer is a highly aggressive malignant tumor originating from gallbladder epithelial cells. It mainly affects individuals over the age of 50, with a higher incidence in middle-aged and elderly people, and slightly more common in women than men. Globally, the incidence is relatively low, but it is particularly high in Latin America and Southeast Asian countries, with environmental and dietary habits being the main influencing factors.
In Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, gallbladder cancer incidence is high, with increased risk in some regions due to gallstones and chronic cholecystitis. This disease easily leads to biliary obstruction and liver dysfunction, and in advanced stages, prognosis is poor, posing a serious health threat to patients.
Stage I: Localized gallbladder lesion
The tumor is confined to the gallbladder mucosa or submucosa, with no lymph node metastasis, and treatment outcomes are favorable. The 5-year survival rate is about 50%–60%.
Stage II: Invasion of gallbladder muscle layer or surrounding tissue
The tumor invades the gallbladder muscle layer or surrounding fat tissue, possibly involving regional lymph nodes. The 5-year survival rate drops to 30%–40%.
Stage III: Invasion of adjacent organs or extensive lymph node metastasis
The tumor further spreads to the nearby liver or intestines, with extensive lymph node involvement, increasing treatment difficulty. The 5-year survival rate is 10%–20%.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis
The tumor metastasizes to distant organs such as the lungs and bones. Comprehensive treatment is the main approach, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%.
1. Abdominal Pain
Early gallbladder cancer often presents with dull pain or discomfort in the right upper abdomen. The pain may be persistent or intermittent and is often accompanied by tenderness, serving as an important indicator of gallbladder lesions.
2. Jaundice
Due to bile duct compression or obstruction by the tumor, bile flow is blocked, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and indicating biliary obstruction.
3. Indigestion
Patients often experience nausea, loss of appetite, and bloating, reflecting gallbladder dysfunction and hepatobiliary involvement.
4. Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss suggests tumor-related energy consumption and impaired nutrient absorption, commonly seen in advanced patients.
5. Fever
Tumor invasion of the bile ducts often leads to secondary infections. Patients may experience recurrent fever with chills, raising concern for biliary infection.
6. Abdominal Mass
In advanced stages, the tumor enlarges, and a palpable mass may be felt in the right upper abdomen, indicating significant disease progression.
7. Skin Itching
Bile stasis causes elevated bilirubin levels, leading to generalized skin itching, especially worse at night, affecting sleep quality.
8. Jaundice-related Symptoms
Along with jaundice, patients may present with fatigue, nausea, and mental status changes, indicating impaired liver function.
Early symptoms of gallbladder cancer are often not obvious, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that paying attention to the above symptoms and seeking timely medical attention are crucial. Immune reconstruction cell therapy, as an advanced treatment option, is bringing new hope to gallbladder cancer patients, promoting tumor control and improving quality of life. Scientific diagnosis and early detection are the keys to defeating gallbladder cancer.
