Diseases of the gall-bladder are commoner in females than males. Gall-bladder cancer occurs in older age-group people.
Cause(s)
It is not known. A diseased gall-bladder having gall-stones which irritate its wall may make it more liable to develop cancer.

Symptoms
The symptoms are vague. Abdominal discomfort, or pain in the upper abdomen or under the right ribs. These are:

• Indigestion.
• Loss of appetite.
• Loss of weight.
• Jaundice in the later stages.

Diagnosis

Routine: Blood: Hb, RBC, TLC, DLC may be normal.

Special: Cholecystography

Ultrasonoscopy of the gall-bladder.

Biopsy examination after opening the abdomen surgically, confirms the diagnosis.

Treatment
The patient usually presents herself/himself in the later stages ­of the disease when it has infiltrated and spread in the surrounding areas. Hence, the cure is usually not possible. Vague symptoms lead to late diagnosis.

Surgery: It may be of some help, only in the early stages.

Radiation: It can lessen the symptoms and keep the disease under control for some time.

Chemotherapy: It is given, but is curative.