Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of gallbladder cancer are often not present until it is in the advanced stages of the disease; however, many are found when a patient has a gallbladder removed for treatment of gallstones or long-term gallbladder infections.

Although signs and symptoms are usually not present until the later stages of gallbladder cancer, in some cases they may lead to an early diagnosis.

If you have any of the following problems, see a doctor right away:

Abdominal pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
Nausea and/or vomiting
Jaundice
Gallbladder enlargement due to bile duct blockage
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Abdominal swelling
Severe itching
Black, tarry stools.

Although these are symptoms and signs of gallbladder cancer, it is important to remember that they may also be caused by non-cancerous disease such as hepatitis.

If you experience these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, you will want to see your doctor right away.