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MBBS
MMed
MRCS (IRE)
FRCSED
FAMS
Gallbladder cancer is a rare form of cancer that originates in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. Bile aids in digesting fats and is produced by the liver. This type of cancer often goes undetected in its early stages, making it challenging to diagnose quickly.
While the precise cause of gallbladder cancer remains unclear, several risk factors have been identified.
The most significant risk factor for gallbladder cancer is the presence of gallstones, which are hard particles that form in the gallbladder due to imbalances in the substances that make up bile.
Gallbladder cancer is more common in women than in men. The risk of developing this cancer may also increase with age, with most diagnoses occurring in people over the age of 70.
Obesity is another risk factor for gallbladder cancer, potentially due to its role in the formation of gallstones and causing chronic inflammation of the gallbladder.
Chronic inflammation increases the risk of gallbladder cancer. Conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and gallbladder polyps also contribute to chronic inflammation and, consequently, a higher cancer risk.
A family history of gallbladder cancer increases a person’s risk. Certain genetic conditions and mutations may also predispose people to this type of cancer.
Symptoms usually may not appear until the cancer has advanced or spread to other body parts. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Diagnosing gallbladder cancer involves a series of steps and tests to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage, including:
The initial step usually involves a physical exam, which includes checking for abnormalities in the abdomen, signs of jaundice, and other related symptoms.
Imaging tests can help to visualise the gallbladder and surrounding tissues.
While a biopsy is important for confirming the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, it is approached with caution due to risks such as bile spillage and potential dissemination of the disease. The decision to perform a biopsy is based on the results of imaging studies and the hepatopancreatobiliary specialist’s advice.
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
The treatment of gallbladder cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of symptoms.
Surgery is the most effective treatment for gallbladder cancer if it is diagnosed at an early stage. The type of surgery depends on the cancer’s stage:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can be used before surgery to shrink a tumour, making it easier to remove or kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy, especially if the cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder or if surgery isn’t an option.
Palliative care focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. For advanced gallbladder cancer, palliative treatments include procedures to relieve blockages in the bile ducts that can cause jaundice, pain relief measures, and nutritional support.
Due to the difficulty of diagnosing gallbladder cancer at an early stage, many cases are advanced when discovered, which can affect the overall prognosis.
Factors affecting the prognosis include:
MBBS (SG)
MMed (Surg)
MRCS (Ire)
FRCSEd (Gen)
FAMS (Surg)
Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.
He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.
Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.
Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).
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820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
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3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-06, Singapore 228510
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38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-43, Singapore 329563
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319 Joo Chiat Place, #05-01, Singapore 427989
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6 Napier Road, #05-10, Singapore 258499
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
The primary type of gallbladder cancer, adenocarcinoma, typically responds to a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Other rare types, such as squamous cell carcinoma or sarcoma of the gallbladder, may require different treatment approaches due to their distinct growth patterns and behaviours.
Recent advancements in the treatment of gallbladder cancer include targeted therapy, which focuses on specific molecules and signalling pathways to stop cancer growth. Immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, is also being explored in clinical trials.
Yes, it is possible to live without a gallbladder. The liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine, rather than being stored in the gallbladder. Most people do not experience significant long-term effects, although some may have temporary digestive issues.
Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a diet low in fat and high in fibre, and managing underlying health conditions such as gallstones and chronic gallbladder inflammation can help reduce the risk of gallbladder cancer.