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Gallbladder Wall Thickening & Cancer: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis

By Medical Expert Team

Mar 06 , 2025 | 1 min read

Gallbladder Wall Thickening and Cancer: Understanding the Risks and Symptoms

Gallbladder wall thickening is a condition where the wall of the gallbladder becomes thicker than normal. While it can be a benign condition, it may also indicate an underlying cancer. This blog explores the symptoms, risks, and diagnostic methods for gallbladder wall thickening and cancer.

What is Gallbladder Wall Thickening?

Gallbladder wall thickening is a condition where the gallbladder wall becomes thicker than 3-4 mm. This can be caused by the mentioned factors:

Inflammation
Infection
Cancer
Gallstones
Chronic gallbladder disease

Risks of Gallbladder Wall Thickening

While gallbladder wall thickening can be a benign condition, it may also raise the risk of gallbladder cancer. The risk of cancer is higher in people with:

Asymmetrical thickening
Thickening of the gallbladder wall greater than 10 mm
Presence of gallstones
Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder
Family history of gallbladder cancer

Symptoms of Gallbladder Wall Thickening and Cancer

The symptoms of gallbladder wall thickening and cancer can be similar and may include:

Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Weight loss

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Wall Thickening and Cancer

Diagnosis of gallbladder wall thickening and cancer is typically made using imaging tests, such as:

Treatment of Gallbladder Wall Thickening

Treatment of gallbladder wall thickening and cancer varies based on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Treatment options may include:

Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)
Use of Frozen section during surgery

In case of malignancy, the patient requires Radical surgery and chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Gallbladder wall thickening can be a sign of underlying cancer. Please seek medical attention if symptoms remain or worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes for people with gallbladder wall thickening and cancer.