Radical cholecystectomy is the curative operation for gallbladder cancer. It removes the gallbladder, a 2–3 cm wedge of adjacent liver (segments IVb/V), and all regional lymph nodes — much more extensive than a routine gallbladder removal.

This is called “incidental gallbladder cancer”. You should urgently see an HPB specialist. For T1b or higher tumours, completion radical surgery significantly improves survival. Timing matters — ideally within 4–8 weeks of the original surgery.

The exact reasons are not known, but the Gangetic belt has the world’s highest incidence. Contributing factors include chronic gallstones, high heavy-metal content in river water, dietary factors, and possibly genetic susceptibility.

No — most people with gallstones never develop cancer. Risk is higher with large stones (>3 cm), porcelain gallbladder, long-standing disease, and in the Gangetic belt. Routine cholecystectomy for symptomatic stones remains the standard of care.

Early GBC has no symptoms and is often found incidentally. Advanced GBC causes right upper abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, a palpable mass, or persistent nausea. Any gallbladder polyp over 1 cm should be evaluated.

Yes, early-stage gallbladder cancer is curable with specialist surgery. Stage T1b and T2 cancers achieve 5-year survival of 60–80% after radical resection. Advanced cases benefit from chemotherapy plus surgery where appropriate.

Polyps under 6 mm are usually benign and can be monitored. Polyps 6–9 mm need regular ultrasound surveillance. Polyps ≥ 10 mm or any polyp in a patient over 50 should be removed surgically.

Adjuvant chemotherapy (typically capecitabine) is recommended after surgery for T2 or higher GBC, and significantly improves survival. Advanced or unresectable cases may receive combination chemotherapy first.

Hospital stay after radical cholecystectomy is typically 5–7 days. Most patients return to normal activities within 4 weeks. Major liver resections (for larger tumours) take longer to recover — 6–8 weeks.

Send your ultrasound, CT scan, biopsy and any previous surgery notes to our contact form. Dr. Abhishek will personally review your case and respond within 48 hours with a treatment plan.