Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer

While gallbladder cancer is relatively rare, risk factors for this disease include being female or being Native American. If you are at risk for cancer of the gallbladder, it makes sense to know what signs may indicate its presence. Read on to learn about the most common symptoms of gallbladder cancer.

Jaundice

Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes, is caused by the build up of bilirubin in the blood. Although bilirubin is a chemical found naturally in the body, gallbladder cancer can cause a blockage in bile ducts which then decreases the flow of bilirubin to the intestines, where it normally would be passed through the body. Instead, the chemical remains in your body and causes jaundice.

Pain above the stomach

Another symptom of gallbladder cancer you might experience is abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right portion of the abdomen. Often radiating to the back as well, this pain can arise if your gallbladder is inflamed by cancer.

Abdominal bloating

Abdominal bloating can also signal that you might have gallbladder cancer. A tumor in the gallbladder can press against your stomach, causing bloating and discomfort.

Fever

While fevers can have many sources, a fever combined with any of the above symptoms may be cause for concern. If your fever is related to gallbladder cancer, it most often runs around or above one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

Although gallbladder cancer is rare, it is worth your while to know the symptoms. Unfortunately, most gallbladder cancer patients are not diagnosed until the cancer is in its advanced stages, so it is important to take all possible indicators seriously. If you ever experience any of the above symptoms, see your doctor for further analysis.