Risk Factors for Gallbladder Cancer

Some related diseases and conditions that may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer include the following:
  • Gallstones:  Liquid bile may harden into a stone-like material under certain conditions. Either several small stones or one large stone may form and potentially block the flow of bile. Gallstones are fairly common, particularly in middle-age women. However, out of all the people with gallstones, only a small percentage develop gallbladder cancer.
  • Choledochal cysts:  Bile-filled cysts may develop on the bile ducts. Sometimes the lining of the cysts may develop pre-cancerous cells, increasing the risk of cancer.
  • Porcelain gallbladder:  This is a condition where calcium deposits cover the wall of the gallbladder. There may be a link between chronic inflammation and the calcification of the gallbladder.
  • Gallbladder polyps:  Abnormal growths on the gallbladder may result from the accumulation of mucous membrane tissue. There are many kinds of gallbladder polyps, including the cholesterosis (cholesterol polyps). Small polyps (less than a centimeter) are typically benign, but larger polyps may develop into adenocarcinomas.
  • Bile duct abnormalities:  Other conditions that may cause the bile ducts to back-up or result in inflammation of the gallbladder may be a potential risk factor.
  • Chemical exposure:  Some studies have shown that exposure to certain industrial chemicals, particularly in the rubber and textile industries, may be linked to an increased risk of gallbladder cancer.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors does not mean that you won't get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.


>Age, Gender and Other Gallbladder Risk Factors


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