Gallbladder Cancer (GBC)

Did You Know? What is GBC?

An abnormal growth of cells within the gallbladder, a small organ
The gallbladder located behind the liver. GBC is a very rare form of cancer, but has
is involved in the potential to spread to other body parts, such as the liver or
the production lymph nodes.
of bile, which
helps your body
digest fats Am I at risk for GBC?
Non-Modifiable Established Risk Possible Risk
Risk Factors Factors Factors

Female, 65 years+ History of gallstones Family history of

Incidence rates gallstones or
for GBC are gallbladder cancer
very rare in
Canada, with
just 510 National origin from Chronic Exposure to
Canadians South America, inflammation environmental toxins
diagnosed in South Asia, East such as tobacco
2010 Asia, Israel or
Poland

Ancestry from the Polyps (cell growth) Autoimmune

Possessing one Indigenous Peoples within the disorders such as
or several risk of the Americas gallbladder ulcerative colitis
factors does
not mean that
you will get Bacterial infections Obesity
GBC
Anomalous
Pancreaticobiliary
Junction (APBJ)
 How do I know if I have GBC?
Common symptoms of GBC include:
Common Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
symptoms of Pain in the upper right area of the abdomen
GBC are not
Nausea and vomiting
specific to this
Bloating, and lumps in the right side of the abdomen
disease, so if
you have any
Initially, the healthcare professional will conduct a physical
symptoms, its
examination of the abdominal region and take your health history.
important to
Health history includes a detailed account including incidences of
speak with your
gallstones or cholecystitis, ethnic origin and family history.
primary
healthcare
If any unexpected findings are noted, a variety of diagnostic tests
provider
can be performed including an abdominal ultrasound, blood tests to
look for tumour markers and evaluate liver functioning, and other
imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, endoscopy or
angiography. A biopsy of gallbladder tissue is used to confirm a
diagnosis of GBC.

Outcomes are What do I do if I have GBC?

better if the Forms of management include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation
cancer is and treatment depends on the staging of the cancer.
detected early
For Stage 1, potentially curative, cancers:
Surgery: gallbladder removal, called a cholecystectomy.
Chemotherapy: cytotoxic drugs used after surgery to kill any
remaining cancer cells after the cancer and gallbladder have
been removed.
Radiation: used to try to kill any cancer cells left behind after
the surgical removal of the cancer

All forms of For more advanced cancers:

chemotherapy Surgery: palliative surgery is done to relieve or prevent pain
have side and complications if the tumour cannot be removed
effects, completely.
including Chemotherapy: does not cure the cancer, but it may shrink or
nausea, hair slow the growth of the tumour.
loss and fatigue Radiation: shrink tumors that obstruct blood and bile
circulation or are pressing on nerves to decrease symptoms
and increase quality of life as palliation