Overview
Gallbladder cancer in Korea is a rare but aggressive malignancy that originates in the tissues of the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its subtle and non-specific symptoms in the early phases. In Korea, early detection programs and advanced medical facilities provide improved treatment outcomes when the disease is caught early.
What is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a type of biliary tract cancer that develops when malignant cells form in the gallbladder lining. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular cells. This cancer tends to spread quickly to nearby organs like the liver, bile ducts, and lymph nodes if not detected early.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Bloating or abdominal swelling
Causes
The exact cause of gallbladder cancer is unknown, but risk factors include chronic gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, and certain genetic mutations. Long-term irritation of the gallbladder lining may lead to cellular changes that cause cancer.
Risk Factors
- Gallstones (most common risk factor)
- Chronic gallbladder inflammation
- Older age (typically over 60)
- Female gender
- Family history of gallbladder cancer
- Certain gallbladder abnormalities (e.g., porcelain gallbladder)
- Obesity
- Exposure to industrial chemicals
Complications
- Spread to nearby organs such as the liver and bile ducts
- Metastasis to distant organs
- Biliary obstruction causing jaundice and infection
- Severe weight loss and malnutrition
- Reduced life expectancy if detected late
Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoiding high-fat and high-cholesterol foods
- Managing gallstones promptly
- Regular health checkups if you have risk factors
Treatment Options in Korea
In Korea, treatment for gallbladder cancer is tailored according to the stage of the disease and the patient’s health status. Options include:
- Surgery (cholecystectomy and possible removal of surrounding tissues) – often the best option for early-stage cancer
- Radiation therapy – to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors
- Chemotherapy – using drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth
- Targeted therapy – focusing on specific molecular targets in cancer cells
- Palliative care – to manage symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced stages
Korean hospitals such as Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and Asan Medical Center offer advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and multidisciplinary cancer care, improving outcomes for patients with gallbladder cancer in Korea.
