Gallbladder cancer is a rare, slow growing cancer that affects about 6,000 people in the United States every year. Because there are usually few early signs – and the symptoms can be similar to many other illnesses – the cancer is generally found when it is in an advanced stage. The gallbladder’s function is to store bile, an enzyme used during digestion to break down fats.
Symptoms
- Stomach pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal swelling
- Severe itching
- Black, tarry stools