Gallbladder Cancer: The Basics

What is the gallbladder, and what does it do?

It is a small pear-shaped organ that stores and concentrates a substance called bile. Bile is a greenish liquid substance produced by the cells of the liver (hepatocytes) that aids in the digestion of fats. It emulsifies fats, causing the fats to accumulate into droplets which can be easily absorbed in the small intestine. It also aids in the absorption of so-called “fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Bile is also the way the body disposes of hemoglobin from old red blood cells which are no longer functional. This is what makes bile green and stool brown. Once hepatocytes have produced bile, it is transported to the duodenum(the segment of small intestine right after the stomach), where it is secreted through a small opening known as the Ampulla of Vater. It can then form droplets together with fat particles exiting the stomach. The bile also goes to the gallbladder where it can be stored. The gallbladder and liver are connected by the hepatic duct.

When you eat fatty food, the food passes from the stomach into the small intestine, and triggers the lining of the small bowel to release a hormone called CCK (cholecystokinin). CCK is then carried in the bloodstream to the gallbladder, where it causes the gallbladder to contract and send bile through the common bile duct and into the small bowel duodenum. Gallstones form when the substances contained in bile crystallize into small, hard rocks.

How common is gallbladder cancer?

Primary cancer of the gallbladder is very rare and affects about 5000 adults in the US each year.

What are the types of gallbladder cancer?

The majority of these cancers are "adenocarcinomas", with subtypes such as papillary, nodular, and tubular, depending on the appearance of the tumor cells under the microscope. Less common subtypes include: squamous cell, signet ring cell, and adenosquamous (adenoacanthoma).

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