Gallbladder is present beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. The main function of the organ is associated with the digestive system. A gland called Gallbladder is present in the liver where bile juice is stored. The main function of the bile juice and digestive fluid produced by the liver is to help in the digestion of fat.
Gallbladder cancer has become more and more common nowadays. But the sad part is not many people are known about the condition. It is the cancerous growth that happens in this pear-shaped gland present in the liver called Gallbladder. Though the Gallbladder cancer is very uncommon there are noticeable cases. The good news for all the people in the world suffering from the conditions is that Gallbladder cancer is curable. A patient might have to go for gallbladder surgery depending on the condition.
The recent study puts light on the link between arsenic and Gallbladder cancer which is necessary for everyone as it can help in taking precautionary measures.
How Arsenic in Drinking water affects?
Arsenic in Drinking Water is linked to increased incidence of Gallbladder Cancer. The main focus of this article is to highlight the recent studies that have been done relating to the long-term consumption of drinking water with high levels of arsenic content that can cause bladder cancer. The studies focus on the quality of the water. In the studies there is malignancy reported in the patient who is longer exposed to the arsenic-contaminated water, hence correlating it more with the gall cancer.
Arsenic is the widely distributed element present in the earth’s crust, that’s the reason it affects the groundwater in many countries. Other than the risk of Gallbladder cancer the long-term intake of the arsenic can cause arsenic poisoning, commonly known as arsenicosis. Arsenicosis can lead to the following disease:
- Skin cancer
- Bladder, kidney or lung cancer
- Diseases of the skin
- Diseases of blood vessels of legs and feet
As per the WHO, the permissible value of arsenic in the drinking water is 0.01mg/l, and you can contact the local authorities to know about the arsenic value of drinking water in your house.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer in the early stages are hard to notice, making its diagnosis harder. This is also the main reason that Gallbladder cancer is mostly discovered at the last stage when the prognosis is often very poor health condition. While performing studies on Gallbladder cancer treatment in Texas, it was found that early discovery of cancer increases survival chances.
Gallbladder cancer signs and symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right portion of the abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
- Fever
- Losing weight without trying
- Nausea
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Surgical Treatment
The surgical process for someone depends on various factors including the undergoing patient health condition and disease. The surgical process decision needs to be discussed with the surgeon. Normally there two types of surgical process one can choose from-
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
It is also known as the minimally invasive surgery and is performed for removing gall bladder from the body. Gallbladder laparoscopic surgery is performed by making a small incision about 1-2 inches long, making the recovery faster, and the patient spends lesser time in medical care. Also, it is an ideal gallbladder attack treatment if it is required to remove the whole gallbladder.
Open cholecystectomy
Laparoscopy has certain limitations and cannot be performed on everyone. In that case, the person may go for open surgery. The incision is large as compared to laparoscopy. The duration of recovery is longer and needs more medical attention.