Gallbladder cancer is a cancer that affects the biliary tract, which is essential for proper digestion of fats and waste. If bile, a bitter fluid created in the liver cells, empties from the body at a slow rate, it increases the time that healthy cells are exposed to carcinogens.

While the exact cause of the disease is yet to be determined, researchers have linked gallbladder cancer to the exposure of hazardous chemicals like asbestos, which damage the cells in the biliary tract.

Most often, gallbladder tumors develop in the inner lining of the gallbladder, a small pear- shaped organ in the abdomen. Gallbladder cancer is extremely invasive and can quickly metastasize to other parts of the body including the gallbladder wall, nearby lymph nodes, or the liver.

Gallbladder cancer risk factors

A number of risk factors may increase the incidence of gallbladder cancer including age, sex, race, bile duct abnormalities, cigarette smoke, and exposure to cancer-causing agents such as asbestos . Asbestos is an extremely toxic fibrous mineral that was widely used to manufacture a number of products worldwide. If asbestos fibers become airborne, they are inhaled or ingested, causing serious injury or illness, including gallbladder cancer. Regular contact with high levels of asbestos can greatly increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

Symptoms of gallbladder cancer

Signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer are rare in the early stages of the disease. As the cancer advances, common symptoms may be similar to those seen in gallbladder complications such as infection or gallstones. Symptoms of gallbladder cancer may include:

  Abdominal pain (typically in the top right area of the abdomen)

  Severe weight loss

  Nausea and Vomiting (occurs when a tumor blocks the biliary tract)

  Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

  More

If you experience any of these symptoms of gallbladder cancer, it is important to consult with your doctor.

Your legal rights

If you or your loved one has developed gallbladder cancer that may have been caused by asbestos exposure, you may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit to seek recovery for your losses and suffering including lost income capacity, medical bills, pain and anguish, and more. Please contact us today to learn more about gallbladder cancer and asbestos or to speak with an experienced and qualified asbestos lawyer FREE of charge.