Gall Bladder & Bile Duct related problems
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped pouch that lies beneath the liver, in the upper abdomen. It stores bile. This fluid, produced by the liver, helps digest fat. The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine through the bile duct. This thin tube connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Cancer develops when abnormal cells in these structures multiply and grow rapidly.
Most Common Gall bladder problem is a Stone disease. Many patient will be asymptomatic however many will be complaining Pain in abdomen. Occasionally the stone in Gall bladder slips down into bile duct and cause Inflammation of bile duct (Cholangitis ) and may led to serious problems.
Gallbladder and bile duct cancers are adenocarcinomas—cancers of cells that line the glands and ducts. BIt can develop in any part of the bile duct. Gallbladder cancer is more common in women than in men. People with gallstones have a slightly higher risk of developing gallbladder and bile duct cancer. These cancers also have been linked to infections with the liver fluke parasite. They have also been tied to sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis, and cirrhosis. These diseases can cause inflammation and scarring of the bile duct, colon, or liver.
Symptoms
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Losing weight for no reason
- Itching
- Fever that doesn’t go away.
- Clay colored stool
Investigations
- Blood Tests : LFT
- USG Abdomen
- CECT Whole abdomen
- MRCP
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
- ERCP: Only for treatment purpose