The gallbladder is the organ that collects and stores bile made by the liver to digest fat. Cancer forms in the inside tissues of the gallbladder and grows outward through the wall of the organ. According to the National Cancer Institute, early cases of gallbladder cancer are difficult to detect and diagnose because early stage disease symptoms often mimic other diseases. Only one in five cases of gallbladder cancer are detected before the disease spreads, according to the American Cancer Society.
Pain
The gallbladder is located in the right, upper part of the abdomen and lies behind the liver. Pain usually occurs above the stomach and in the location of the organ. Pain may be vague, dull or heavy feeling. If a gallstone is present in the gallbladder, the pain may be sharp and cramping. Many gallbladder cancers are found because of gallbladder pain, but gallstones do not cause gallbladder cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Nausea and Vomiting
According to the American Cancer Society, many people with gallbladder cancer have nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite, and weight loss without trying, may occur. Other symptoms related to the digestive tract may include black, tarry stools.
Jaundice
Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes caused by bile blockage, may occur. Severe itching, or pruritis, is a less common symptom, according to the American Cancer Society. Urine may be a darker color than normal and bowel movements may be pale in color.
Enlarged Gallbladder
As the cancer grows, it may block the bile duct from the liver to the organ and the gallbladder gets larger. A doctor may feel it on examination, or lumps in the abdomen may be noted, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Fever
Fever may develop as a result of inflammation from blockage of the bile duct, according to the American Cancer Society. Fever may also develop from infection or the presence of cancer cells in the body, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Abdominal Swelling
Bloating, or swelling of the abdomen, is a later symptom of gallbladder cancer. If other symptoms go unnoticed, bloating may be a symptom the patient recognizes when clothes become too tight.
