Gallbladder cancer refers to a malignancy originating from the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. It is a rare but highly lethal form of cancer, often characterized by a late presentation and a high likelihood of metastasis at the time of diagnosis.

Epidemiology

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively rare cancer with a high mortality rate. The 5-year survival rate is approximately 15–20%.

Aetiology

The most common risk factors for gallbladder carcinoma include:

• A history of gallstones or chronic cholecystitis
• Porcelain gallbladder
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's colitis
• Exposure to oestrogens
• Occupational exposure to harmful substances such as pesticides, radiation, heavy metals, and vinyl chloride

PC

Gallbladder cancer often presents late with vague symptoms including:

• Abdominal pain, not always localized to the right upper quadrant
• Jaundice