Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that belongs to the group of hepatobiliary cancers, which affect the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder. It develops when abnormal cells in the gallbladder grow uncontrollably.
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver in the upper right abdomen. Its main function is to store bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats.
Most gallbladder cancers arise from the inner lining (mucosa) of the gallbladder and are typically adenocarcinomas. As the disease progresses, it may invade nearby structures such as the liver or bile ducts, and can also spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
Early-stage gallbladder cancer often does not cause specific symptoms and is frequently discovered incidentally during imaging or surgery performed for gallstones or other gallbladder conditions.
When detected at an early stage and confined to the gallbladder, surgery offers the best chance of cure. However, many cases are diagnosed at a more advanced stage, when the cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder, making treatment more complex and often focused on disease control and symptom relief.
Gallbladder cancer is rare in Singapore and accounts for a small proportion of all cancers diagnosed each year. It is more commonly seen in older adults and individuals with long-standing gallstones or chronic gallbladder inflammation.
Gallbladder cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms appear, they can resemble more common conditions such as gallstones or bile duct obstruction.
Possible signs and symptoms include:
Gallbladder cancer is often detected through imaging or investigations performed for other gallbladder-related conditions. If cancer is suspected, doctors will review symptoms, medical history, and arrange tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine how far the disease has progressed.
Diagnosis may involve a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and surgical procedures.
Blood tests may help identify abnormalities linked to gallbladder or liver function. Tumour markers such as CA 19-9 and CEA may be elevated in some patients, but they are not specific enough to diagnose gallbladder cancer on their own.
Imaging plays a crucial role in detecting gallbladder cancer, determining its extent, and assessing whether it has spread.
The cancer has spread more extensively, including:
Distant organs (such as the liver beyond direct extension, peritoneum, or lungs),
or
Multiple lymph nodes or major blood vessels
When gallbladder cancer cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of the body, treatment focuses on controlling the disease, relieving symptoms, and maintaining quality of life.
Some patients may be suitable candidates for clinical trials, which explore new and evolving therapies, including:
At OncoCare Singapore, our multidisciplinary team includes medical oncologists specialising in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers, liver surgeons experienced in advanced and minimally invasive procedures, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, dietitians, and psycho-oncology counsellors. Together, they design an individualised treatment plan for every patient.
If you have risk factors or symptoms that may suggest liver cancer, seeking early consultation with our specialists is important. Timely diagnosis offers the best chance for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
