The gallbladder helps the body digest food by storing and secreting bile into the small intestines. It connects to the liver, as well. Bile can harden into crystals, called gallstones. When gallstones block the ducts between the gallbladder and the intestines or liver, they can cause pain. Surgery to remove the gallbladder may be necessary. Although it is uncommon, cancer can also develop in the gallbladder. Gallbladder cancer may not manifest symptoms until it has progressed substantially.
Jaundice
Gallbladder cancer can cause jaundice, a condition more often associated with the liver. If red blood cells in the circulatory system are not cleansed and rejuvenated properly, bilirubin, a yellow substance produced from old blood cells, can spread throughout the body. This can cause the skin and eyes to turn yellow.
Fever and Nausea
Someone with gallbladder cancer may run a fever and feel as though he has a cold. But other cold symptoms, such as a sore throat, nasal congestion and headache, are not present. Cancer of the gallbladder also may cause nausea and vomiting, reports MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Pain
Both gallbladder cancer and gallstones may cause abdominal pain. In the case of gallstones, the pain may be sudden and become worse quickly. In addition to abdominal discomfort, gallstones may cause pain in the right shoulder or upper back, according to the Mayo Clinic.
