Surgical oncology
Gallbladder cancer
An uncommon cancer, often discovered unexpectedly in a gallbladder removed for stones. What happens next depends on how deep it has gone.
In plain language
What this operation is
Gallbladder cancer is uncommon and rarely causes distinctive symptoms early. It is quite often found by the pathologist after a gallbladder has been removed for what appeared to be ordinary gallstone disease.
When it does present clinically, it may be with pain under the right ribs, jaundice, weight loss, or a mass found on imaging.
Where it is found incidentally after surgery, the depth of invasion in the pathology report determines whether a further, more extensive operation is advised. That is why the report matters so much here.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- A gallbladder mass or thickened wall on ultrasound or CT
- Cancer reported unexpectedly after gallbladder removal
- Jaundice with pain under the right ribs and weight loss
- Large gallbladder polyps found on imaging
And when it is not. Not every thickened gallbladder wall or polyp is cancer. Most are not. Imaging and, where needed, specialist review decide what warrants surgery.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
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01
First consultation
History, examination and review of every report and film you already have. Bring the actual films, not only the printed summaries.
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02
Diagnosis and staging
Biopsy confirms the diagnosis; imaging establishes how far the disease has gone. No treatment plan is made before this.
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03
The plan
Whether surgery is the right step, and in what order relative to chemotherapy or radiotherapy — agreed with you before anything is booked.
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04
Treatment and follow-up
The operation where appropriate, then the pathology report, and continuing follow-up.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Recovery depends on the operation performed and on your general health.
- A written discharge plan, wound-care guidance and a follow-up appointment are given before you leave.
- The pathology report usually takes some days and is discussed with you at follow-up.
- Whether further treatment is advised is decided once that report is available.
When to go to hospital instead
Jaundice with fever and pain, or severe abdominal pain, needs urgent hospital assessment.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 My gallbladder was removed and the report says cancer. What now?
The key detail is how deep the cancer had gone, which the pathology report states. For very early disease the original operation may have been sufficient; for deeper invasion a further, more extensive operation is usually advised. Bring the full report to a consultation.
After surgery02 Do gallstones cause gallbladder cancer?
Long-standing gallstones and chronic inflammation are associated with a higher risk, but the great majority of people with gallstones never develop gallbladder cancer.
Risk03 Are gallbladder polyps dangerous?
Most small polyps are harmless and are simply monitored with repeat ultrasound. Size, growth over time and certain features are what prompt removal.
PolypsNext step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.