An Overview on Gallbladder Cancer-Etiology, Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Abstract

Among all cancer diagnoses worldwide, gallbladder cancer (GBC) accounts for 2% of total cancer deaths. In the United States (US), only 1 out of 5 cases of GBC are diagnosed at an early stage, and the median survival time for advanced stage cancer is about a year. During gallbladder examinations, incidental findings are commonly detected. Identifying benign and malignant gallbladder lesions is crucial due to the poor prognosis associated with GBC. As medical imaging continues to grow, radiologists and sonographers will undoubtedly encounter more common incidental gallbladder findings. Gallbladder and biliary tree imaging is primarily performed with ultrasound, but contrast-enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are becoming more common. Developed countries are experiencing an increase in the disease’s incidence. Its geographical, ethnic, and sex distribution can be explained by factors such as gallstones, biliary cysts, exposure to carcinogens, typhoid, and Helicobacter pylori infection. In addition to genetics, certain ethnicities, such as Native Americans, are at much higher risk for GBC, as approximately a quarter of GBC cases are familial in origin. The best way to prevent GBC is through weight loss, vaccinations against and treatment of bacterial infections, early detection and elimination of polyps and cysts, and avoiding oral estrogen replacement therapy. Several common incidental findings, pathology, epidemiology, natural history, and management of the gallbladder are discussed in this review article.