Early Symptoms of Gall Bladder Cancer That Are Often Missed
Gallbladder cancer is often called a “silent killer.” In India, many people suffer from digestive issues like gas, bloating, and acidity. Most of the time, we take a simple antacid and ignore the problem. However, what looks like a simple stomach upset could sometimes be a warning sign of something serious.
As a leading GI Cancer Surgeon in Chennai, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy believes that awareness is the first step toward a cure. Most patients reach a Gastroenterologist in Chennai only when the cancer has reached an advanced stage. By understanding the early, subtle signs, you can take action when the disease is still treatable.
Understanding the Gallbladder and Cancer:
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just below your liver on the right side of the abdomen. Its main job is to store bile, a fluid made by the liver that helps digest fat.
When cancer cells start growing in the gallbladder, they do not cause much trouble at first. The organ is small and hidden. Because of this, even a very experienced Gall Bladder surgeon in Chennai may find it difficult to detect a tumour through a simple physical touch in the early stages.
10 Early Symptoms You Should Never Ignore:
1. Abdominal Pain that Doesn’t Go Away:
Most people feel a dull ache in the upper right part of the stomach. Unlike the sharp pain of a gallstone attack which comes and goes, cancer pain is usually constant. It might feel like a heavy weight sitting under your ribs.
2. Frequent Bloating:
Do you feel like your stomach is full even after eating a very small meal? If your belly feels tight or swollen every single day, it is not just “gas.” It could be a sign of Gallbladder Disease treatment being required immediately.
3. Loss of Appetite:
If you suddenly find that you no longer feel hungry, or the smell of your favourite food makes you feel uneasy, pay attention. A sudden drop in appetite is a common early sign of GI cancers.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss:
In India, we often celebrate weight loss, thinking our diet is working. But if you are losing 4–5 kg in a month without any exercise or dieting, it is a major red flag. This happens because the body uses all its energy to fight the growing cancer cells.
5. Nausea and Vomiting:
Feeling like you want to throw up (nausea) is common. However, if you are vomiting frequently without having food poisoning or a viral fever, you must consult a GI Cancer Surgeon in Chennai.
6. Fever and Shivering:
A persistent low-grade fever that doesn’t go away with basic paracetamol can be a sign of inflammation or infection caused by a tumour blocking the bile ducts.
7. Lumps in the Abdomen:
Sometimes, you might feel a hard mass or a lump on the right side, just below the ribs. This happens when the gallbladder gets swollen because the cancer is blocking the flow of bile.
8. Dark Urine and Pale Stools:
This is a very specific sign. If your urine looks like dark tea and your stools (potty) look like light-coloured clay, it means bile is not reaching your digestive system. This is a clear sign of a blockage.
9. Itchy Skin:
When bile builds up in the blood because of a tumour, it can cause your skin to feel very itchy. You might not see a rash, but the urge to scratch will be everywhere.
10. Mild Yellowing of the Eyes (Early Jaundice):
Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. While severe jaundice is a late sign, even a tiny bit of yellow tint in the white part of your eyes should be checked by a Gastroenterologist in Chennai.
Why is Gallbladder Cancer Common in India?
India has some of the highest rates of gallbladder cancer in the world. Several factors contribute to this:
- Gallstones: Almost 80% of people with gallbladder cancer also have gallstones. Large stones (more than 3 cm) cause constant irritation to the gallbladder wall, which can turn into cancer over many years.
- Typhoid History: In some parts of India, chronic typhoid infection is linked to a higher risk of this cancer.
- Dietary Habits: A diet very high in fried foods and low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk.
- Pollution: Heavy metals in drinking water in certain regions are also being studied as a possible cause.
The Importance of Expert Diagnosis:
If you have these symptoms, the first step is to get an Ultrasound or a CT scan. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, with his 17 years of experience, specializes in reading these reports accurately.
He is an expert in the Da Vinci Si robotic system. This technology allows him to see the inside of the abdomen in 10x magnification. As a Robotic GI Oncosurgeon in Chennai, he can remove the tumour with extreme precision, ensuring that the cancer is completely out while the surrounding liver and blood vessels are safe.
Treatment Options: Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Surgery
When it comes to Gallbladder Disease treatment, the approach depends on how far the cancer has spread.
By choosing a specialized Gall Bladder surgeon in Chennai, you ensure that you get the benefit of “Minimal Access Surgery.” This means you go home faster and with much less pain.
About Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy:
When dealing with a serious condition like cancer, the experience of the doctor matters most. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is not just a surgeon; he is a researcher and a teacher in the field of GI surgery.
- Global Recognition: He has presented research papers in Geneva, Switzerland, and Seoul, South Korea.
- Record Breaking: He performed Robotic surgery on the youngest patient in the world for a complex pancreatic condition.
- Academic Excellence: He holds an M.S. from Stanley Medical College and a DNB in GI Surgery.
- Publications: He has co-authored 34 research papers in international journals.
He currently serves patients at GEM Hospital,Chennai, which is one of India’s premier institutes for gastroenterology.
Prevention Tips for a Healthy Gallbladder:
While you cannot control every risk factor, you can reduce your chances of gallbladder issues:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones.
- Eat Fiber-Rich Food: Include whole grains, beans, and fresh vegetables in your daily Indian meals.
- Don’t Skip Meals: Irregular eating habits can cause bile to sit in the gallbladder for too long.
- Treat Gallstones Early: If you have been diagnosed with gallstones and they are causing pain, don’t wait. Consult a Gall Bladder surgeon in Chennai to discuss if removal is necessary.
Conclusion:
Gallbladder cancer is dangerous because it stays hidden. However, your body always gives small signals. If you have persistent bloating, right-sided pain, or unexplained weight loss, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Consulting a specialist like Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy ensures you get the best advice based on the latest medical science. Whether it is a simple stone or a complex tumour, early intervention is the key to a long and healthy life.