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

^*Kadari Manichander Patel
Medicine, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute Of Medical Sciences,, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute Of Medical Sciences,, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute Of Medical Sciences, India

^*Corresponding Author:

Kadari Manichander Patel
Medicine, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute Of Medical Sciences,, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute Of Medical Sciences,, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute Of Medical Sciences, India
Email:manichandarpatel@gmail.com

Published on: 2024-10-25

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.

Keywords

Risk factor, Survival, Incidence, Etiology, Mortality

Introduction

GBC accounts for about 2 lakh cancer deaths annually, or 2% of all global cancer deaths, despite its size of less than 2 cm. Gallbladders are small, pear-shaped organs found under the liver [1]. The spleen is located behind the right, lower rib cage, just like the liver. Bile is stored and concentrated here before being released into the small intestine, where it aids digestion. During digestion, the gallbladder’s bile travels to the small intestine via the cystic duct, which joins with the hepatic duct (from the liver) [2]. At the ampulla of vater, the common bile duct joins the pancreatic duct (which contains enzymes for digestion) and empties into the duodenum. Gallbladder removal is not considered a lifethreatening procedure, and many people lead healthy lives afterward [3-5].
In most cases, GBC is an adenocarcinoma, arising from the secretory cells. Primary cancers of the biliary tract are most commonly found in the gallbladder [6]. Papillary adenocarcinoma is a rare form of gallbladder adenocarcinoma, which develops from papillary cells that assist in bile motility [7-9]. There is a better prognosis for papillary cancers than for other types of GBC, although they are rare. Data shows GBC is the 22nd most common but 17th most deadly cancer worldwide [10]. The incidence of GBC is disproportionately high due to the fact
that it is rarely detected before it has developed or metastasized [11-14].
Approximately 1 in 5 GBC are detected in the early stages in the US. Clinicians will be able to target and diagnose populations at high risk by better understanding the etiology and risk factors for the disease.