What are gall bladder tumours?
Gallbladder tumours are the tumours or abnormal growths present in the gallbladder. The gall bladder is a pear-shaped organ present under the liver. The major function of gall bladder is to release enzymes necessary for the metabolism of fat.
As the stomach and intestine digest food, the gall bladder releases bile through a tube called the common bile duct. This common bile duct connects the gall bladder and liver to the small intestine.
The gall bladder tumours are presented in the following forms:
-Benign lesions
-Cholesterol polyps
-Inflammatory polyps
-Adenomyomatosis.
-Adenomatous polyps.
-Malignant lesions.
Chronic inflammation from various stimuli has been said to be the major cause of the pathogenesis of gall bladder cancer.
The adenoma-carcinoma sequence is thought to be involved in many cases of gall bladder tumor.
Gall bladder cancer spreads early via lymphatic, hematogenous and transcoelomic dissemination.
Local invasion of the tumour in surrounding areas is common
These tumors are commonly seen in?
Tumors of gallbladder are more common in women than in males.
The most common age group for gallbladder to develop tumors is the late elderly age.
What are the causes of gallbladder tumors?
Risk factors for gall bladder tumours are as follows:
-Gender risk is that women are more prone to develop gall bladder cancer than men.
-Obesity also increases the risk of gallbladder tumours.
-Chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis are also linked to a risk factor for gall bladder tumors.
Gallstones are present in almost 90% of cases of gallbladder tumours. So this can be one of the causes but etiological influence remains unproven.
There are various inflammatory conditions of the gall bladder which can lead to the formation of inflammatory polyps.
Advancing age is another important risk factor for the development of tumors.
What are the signs and symptoms of gall bladder tumours?
-There is steady pain in the upper right abdomen.
-Weakness.
-Loss of weight.
-Jaundice and vomiting due to obstruction.
-Fever.
-Bloating in the abdomen.
-Nausea and vomiting.
-Lumps in the abdomen.
Is a gallbladder polyp a tumour?
Gallbladder polyps are the growths which protrude from the lining inside the gallbladder. Polyps can be cancerous, but very rare. 95% of gallbladder polyps are benign.
What are the investigations for gallstone tumors?
Following are the test that helps to find out the gall bladder tumour:
-Liver function enzymes slightly elevated.
-Elevated levels of bilirubin and alkaline phosphate.
-Elevated carbohydrate antigen.
-Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen.
Imaging techniques helpful to detect are as follows:
-Ultrasound of the abdomen.
-CT scan of the abdomen.
-Magnetic resonance imaging.
-Positron emission tomography.
Histological findings are helpful in detecting the stage and type of tumour.
What is the treatment for gall bladder tumours?
Following are the ways to treat gallbladder tumors
-Chemotherapy.
-Fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy.
-Cholecystectomy help to remove poly-type gall bladder tumors.
What are the complications of gall bladder tumours?
Complications are expected with cholecystectomy and include:
-Infection.
-Hematoma.
-Bile leaks.
Liver failure can occur.
