Many people in India suffer from Gas or Acidity every day. Usually, we take a gas related medicine and Pudin Hara, forget about it. But did you know that constant stomach pain could be something much more serious?
Gallbladder cancer is a silent disease. It does not show big symptoms in the beginning. By the time people realize it, the cancer often reaches an advanced stage. This is why knowing the early warning signs is very important.
In this blog, Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi, a top GI Cancer Surgeon in Bangalore, explains the signs you should never ignore.
What is Gallbladder Cancer?
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver. It stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. Cancer begins when malignant cells grow in the tissues of the gallbladder.
Because the gallbladder is hidden behind the liver, tumours can grow for a long time without being felt during a physical exam. This is why knowing the early signs is life-saving.
7 Early Signs of Gallbladder Cancer You Should Never Ignore:
1. Persistent Abdominal Pain:
The most common symptom is pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Unlike the sharp, temporary pain of a “gallbladder attack” caused by stones, cancer pain is often dull and persistent. If you feel a dragging sensation or constant ache in your belly, consult a GI Cancer Surgeon in Bangalore immediately.
2. Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin and Eyes):
If the tumour grows large enough to block the bile ducts, bile builds up in the blood. This causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow. Jaundice is a major red flag. It often indicates that the gallbladder or liver function is compromised.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss:
Are you losing weight without trying? Sudden, significant weight loss is a common sign of various gastrointestinal cancers. If you have lost more than 4-5 kgs in a month without a change in diet or exercise, it warrants a medical check-up.
4. Nausea and Vomiting:
Many people dismiss feeling sick to their stomach as gas or acidity. However, frequent nausea and vomiting can be caused by a gallbladder tumour obstructing the digestive flow.
5. Bloating and Swelling:
A tumour can cause the gallbladder to enlarge. You might notice a lump or a feeling of fullness on the right side of your ribs. Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi often advises patients that any unusual swelling in the abdomen should be screened via ultrasound.
6. Changes in Urine and Stool:
When bile cannot reach the intestines due to a blockage:
- Your urine may become very dark (like tea or cola).
- Your stools may become pale, clay-coloured, or greasy.
7. Loss of Appetite:
Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food is a subtle sign. This loss of appetite often goes hand-in-hand with the fatigue that cancer causes as it drains the body’s energy.
The Connection: Gallstones and Cancer
Many patients ask if gallstones lead to cancer. While most people with gallstones will never develop cancer, nearly 80% of people with gallbladder cancer have a history of stones.
Chronic inflammation from long-standing stones can increase cancer risk. If you have been diagnosed with stones, seeking Gall-Bladder Stone Treatment early is a proactive way to maintain your health. As a specialist Gall-Bladder Surgeon in Bangalore, Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi provides advanced laparoscopic solutions for stone removal to prevent future complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options:
If you show symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend:
- Ultrasound or CT Scan: To look for tumours or stones.
- Blood Tests: To check liver function and tumour markers.
- Biopsy: To confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries. For early-stage cancer, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the primary treatment. In advanced cases, he employs his extensive training in Surgical Gastroenterology to perform radical surgeries and palliative care.
Are Gallstones Dangerous?
Many Indians have “Pitte ki pathri” or Gallstones. While not all stones become cancer, almost 80% of people with gallbladder cancer had stones for a long time.
If you have stones, do not wait for the pain to become unbearable. Getting Gall-Bladder Stone Treatment early can save you from cancer in the future. Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi uses the latest laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove stones safely.
Why Choose Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi for Gallbladder Cancer Treatment?
Selecting the right doctor is the most important step in your recovery. When it comes to your health, you need someone who is not only a topper in their field but also understands your pain.
Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi is globally recognized for his surgical skills. He has received the Best JnJ Sponsorship Award in Seoul, South Korea (KSELS 2021) and the KS National Robotic Surgery Video Award from the Vattikuti Foundation, USA. These awards show that he uses the world’s best technology to treat his patients in Bangalore.
Here is why patients trust him:
- 18+ Years of Experience: He has spent nearly two decades treating complex stomach and liver problems. This long experience helps him catch diseases like cancer early.
- 10,000+ Successful Surgeries: From simple stone removals to complex cancer operations, he has a proven track record of 10,000+ surgeries.
- High Success Rate: With a 95% success ratio, his patients feel safe and recover faster.
- Simple & Kind Approach: He believes in “technical precision with deep empathy.” This means he uses the best machines and tools but talks to his patients like a friend,
Whether you are looking for the Best Gastroenterologist in Bangalore for a second opinion or need a dedicated GI Cancer Surgeon in Bangalore, Dr. Bhushan offers treatments that are specially planned for your body and your needs.
Conclusion:
Gallbladder cancer is treatable if caught early. If you or your family members have constant stomach pain, yellow eyes, or sudden weight loss, do not sit at home.
Consult Dr. Bhushan Chittawadagi, the Best Gastroenterologist in Bangalore, today. A simple check-up can save a life.