About Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a cancer that begins in the gallbladder, which is part of the digestive system. The gallbladder is a small pouch that stores bile. Bile is a fluid that helps us digest food and break down fats.
Gallbladder cancer is when abnormal cells in the gallbladder start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way.
The symptoms of gallbladder cancer include tummy pain, feeling sick, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) or an enlarged gallbladder.
Factors that increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer include age, gallstones, gallbladder polyps and being overweight. Read about these and other risk factors.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you for tests or to a specialist if you have symptoms that could be caused by gallbladder cancer.
The stage of a cancer tells you about its size and whether it has spread. The grade means how abnormal the cells look under the microscope.
The type of cancer tells you which type of cell it started in. There are several types of gallbladder cancer.
The treatment you might have depends on the size and type of your gallbladder cancer and whether it has spread.
Get practical and emotional support to help you cope with a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, and life during and after treatment.
Find out about the latest UK research and clinical trials looking into gallbladder cancer.
Advanced gallbladder cancer is cancer that has spread outside the gallbladder into lymph nodes or nearby organs. Or that has spread to another part of the body such as the lungs (secondary or metastatic gallbladder cancer).
Survival depends on how advanced your gallbladder cancer is when you are diagnosed.
Last reviewed: 09 Nov 2023
Next review due: 09 Nov 2026
This section has been written, reviewed and updated by Cancer Research UK’s Patient Information Web Team. Thanks to the expert medical professionals and people affected by cancer who have helped to review this information.
Miss Anita Balakrishnan (Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon and Affiliated Assistant Professor)
Dr Saoirse Dolly (Consultant Medical Oncologist)
Our lay reviewers
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
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