Gallbladder Cancer Facts

What is gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer develops when cells in the gallbladder begin to grow uncontrollably. Normally, healthy cells grow, divide, and die in an organized way. Cancer develops when changes in a cell's DNA allow abnormal cells to multiply and survive when they should not. Over time, these cells may form a tumor that can grow into surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Most gallbladder cancers begin in the innermost lining of the gallbladder and grow outward through the organ's layers.

What does the gallbladder do?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just beneath the liver in the upper right portion of the abdomen. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps the body digest and absorb fats from food. When you eat, especially foods containing fat, the gallbladder releases bile through a network of tubes called bile ducts. The bile travels into the small intestine, where it helps with digestion.

Can you live without a gallbladder?

Yes. People can live without a gallbladder. When the gallbladder is removed, bile continues to flow from the liver into the small intestine. Some people experience digestive changes after gallbladder removal, such as diarrhea or difficulty tolerating fatty meals, but many people return to normal eating patterns.

What are the different types of gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancers are classified according to the cells where they begin.

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of gallbladder cancer, accounting for approximately 90% or more of cases. It develops from glandular cells in the gallbladder's inner lining. Several subtypes exist, including papillary adenocarcinoma. Papillary tumors may sometimes be detected earlier or behave less aggressively than other forms, although prognosis depends on the specific tumor characteristics and stage.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma develops from squamous-type cells. It is much less common than adenocarcinoma.

Adenosquamous carcinoma

Adenosquamous carcinoma contains both glandular and squamous cancer cells. It is rare and may behave aggressively.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma

Neuroendocrine carcinoma develops from cells with neuroendocrine characteristics. These cancers are uncommon and may require treatment approaches different from those used for adenocarcinoma.

Other rare types

Other rare gallbladder cancers include certain undifferentiated carcinomas and other unusual tumor types.

Is gallbladder cancer the same as bile duct cancer?

No. Gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer are separate diagnoses, although both are classified as biliary tract cancers.

• Gallbladder cancer begins in the gallbladder.

• Bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma, begins in the ducts that carry bile.

These cancers share some risk factors and treatment approaches, but their anatomy, staging, and surgical management differ.

How does gallbladder cancer spread?

Gallbladder cancer may spread by growing directly into nearby organs, traveling through lymphatic vessels, or entering the bloodstream. Common sites of spread include:

• Liver

• Nearby lymph nodes

• Bile ducts

• Peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity

• Lungs and other distant organs

Because the gallbladder sits directly against the liver, cancer may invade the liver as it grows.