4. Nausea and Vomiting: More Than Just a Stomach Upset
We’ve all felt queasy at some point, whether from motion sickness or a dodgy meal. But persistent nausea, coupled with vomiting, should raise eyebrows when related to gallbladder cancer. Intriguingly, the nausea here isn’t just ‘garden-variety’ stomach upset. It often has a pulsating pattern, intensifying at specific times of the day or after certain triggers.
Beyond the surface-level symptom, several underlying factors contribute to this sensation. For one, gallbladder cancer may cause bile to back up into the stomach. This not only induces nausea but can also lead to an acute form of gastritis. It’s like a dam bursting within you, causing a chaotic overflow that your body doesn’t know how to handle.
The plot thickens with the role of hormones. Elevated levels of certain hormones, particularly stress hormones like cortisol, are commonly observed in gallbladder cancer patients. These hormonal imbalances can set off a cycle of nausea and vomiting. It’s a biochemical ballet, with each hormone playing a role in this unsettling dance. (4)
