Symptoms of gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer does not usually cause symptoms at an early stage. Or the symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder.

Cancer is sometimes found during surgery to remove gallstones. But most people who have surgery for gallstones do not have gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder cancer can cause symptoms including:

• pain in the tummy (abdomen)
• feeling sick or being sick
• high temperature (fever)
• weight loss.

If the cancer blocks a bile duct, it may stop the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small bowel. This can cause jaundice. Symptoms of jaundice include:

• yellowing of the skin and eyes
• dark-yellow pee (urine)
• pale poo (stools)
• itchy skin.

These symptoms may be caused by other problems. But it is important to get them checked by your GP.

We understand that having any symptoms that might be due to a cancer is worrying. The most important thing is to speak to your GP as soon as possible. If you need someone to talk to, you can:

• call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
• chat to our specialists online.