Some general knowledge of gallbladder cancer

  It is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary system. Although the rate is not high in the overall population of malignant tumors, the prognosis is extremely poor and the survival period is short (the survival rate of one year is less than 80% and the survival rate of five years is less than 5%); therefore, it needs high attention, active prevention and proper treatment.  The incidence of gallbladder cancer: Generally, there are more women than men, and it occurs mostly in the elderly, with more than 80% of those older than 50 years old.  Etiology of gallbladder cancer: Like other tumors, the specific factors are not fully understood, but there is evidence that there is a clear relationship with some factors. For example, long-term irritation of gallbladder stones, cancer of gallbladder polyps or adenomas, long-term chronic inflammation, etc.  Diagnosis of gallbladder cancer: Early symptoms of gallbladder cancer are atypical, usually manifesting as right upper abdomen fullness and discomfort, right upper abdomen pain, anorexia, lethargy, etc., which need to be clearly diagnosed by ultrasound or enhanced CT. Some tumor markers, such as CA199, may be partly suggestive for the diagnosis.  Some patients are found to have gallbladder cancer in the pathology after gallbladder resection and treatment of gallbladder stones, which is called accidental gallbladder cancer, and the prognosis of such cases is generally better.  Treatment of gallbladder cancer: Radical cholecystectomy is the only possible means of cure.  After surgery, it can be supplemented with radiotherapy and immunotherapy, but the effect is not particularly ideal. Therefore, the standard operation of surgery is especially important.  There is nothing special to pay attention to after gallbladder cancer resection, just follow the normal healthy lifestyle, but pay attention to regular review, malignant tumors have the possibility of recurrence and metastasis, and regular review, ultrasound, tumor markers, liver function, etc. should be done every 3 months or 6 months after surgery.