Beyond Gallstones: 10 Conditions That Could Be Affecting Your Gallbladder

5. Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a malignancy in the tissues that make up the gallbladder. It occurs when one of the gallbladder cells incur a DNA mutation that causes it to grow and multiply uncontrollably. This malfunction leads to a growth of malignant cells that is invasive to the healthy tissues around the gallbladder and disrupts their normal function. Gallbladder cancer symptoms include upper right abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, nausea, unintentional weight loss, and abdominal bloating. This form of cancer is diagnosed using a physical examination, blood tests, computerized tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasounds, and tissue biopsy. Exploratory surgery may be necessary for a doctor to determine the extent of the patient's cancer. Procedures involving the injection of dye into the bile ducts can also help determine the extent of cancer. Two examples are endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. Treatment of gallbladder cancer may include a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder and part of the liver, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

6. Gallbladder Attacks

Quite a few individuals will experience gallbladder attacks. Many doctors refer to these attacks as the acute form of cholecystitis. The major symptom of a gallbladder attack is sudden and severe pain in the upper right abdomen. Patients may experience dull, throbbing, or sharp pain. In some cases, it can spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and fever. As more symptoms appear, it becomes more likely that another condition is the cause or patients are dealing with a complication, such as chronic cholecystitis. Patients often experience gallbladder attacks if they have gallstones. However, there are other causes, including bile accumulating in the gallbladder to the point of rupture. Thankfully, patients have many treatment options available. Most patients will need pain medication. Doctors will often prescribe anti-nausea medication. In certain cases, this is all patients need if they can pass the gallstones on their own. Otherwise, doctors may recommend other treatments, such as surgery. Preventing future gallbladder attacks is crucial. Patients should exercise regularly, lose excess weight, and follow a balanced, healthy diet.