Fact 4: Recognizing the Symptoms
Gallbladder cancer is a master of disguise. Its initial symptoms can be so benign that they’re often brushed off as minor digestive issues or other common ailments. This is why many patients get diagnosed in the advanced stages when the symptoms are more pronounced and harder to ignore.
Initial complaints usually revolve around abdominal discomfort, particularly in the upper right side, nausea, or even vomiting. While these symptoms can be attributed to numerous issues, their persistence can be indicative of a deeper problem.
As the cancer progresses, more visible symptoms emerge. Jaundice, where the skin and eyes take on a yellowish hue, can be a significant indicator. This occurs when the liver can’t process bilirubin due to a blockage caused by a tumor. The resulting build-up leads to this yellow discoloration, a sign that should never be ignored.
Unintended weight loss can be another telltale sign. When there’s no deliberate effort to shed pounds, and yet there’s a notable weight drop, it’s a cause for concern. The body’s inability to absorb nutrients properly, combined with the loss of appetite, often seen in gallbladder cancer patients, can lead to this unintentional weight loss.
In advanced stages, the symptoms become harder to overlook. These can include an enlarged gallbladder, noticeable even to touch, fever, and pronounced abdominal pain. The presence of any combination of these symptoms, especially when paired with the earlier signs, necessitates immediate medical attention. (4)
