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Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the gallbladder. A gallbladder tumour or neoplasm refers to an abnormal growth in the gallbladder, which may be benign or malignant. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that stores and releases bile, a fluid that helps digest fats.

The chance of cure is good when gallbladder cancer is diagnosed in its early stages. However, most gallbladder cancers are found when they have progressed to a late stage, in which the prognosis is often poor. Approximately four in five patients with gallbladder cancer are diagnosed in the advanced or metastatic stage. The five-year relative survival rate of patients with the condition is around 15-20% if diagnosed in the early stage, but less than 5% if diagnosed in the advanced stage

The condition is difficult to diagnose and tends to present late as it may cause no symptoms in the early stages. In addition, due to the deep location of the gallbladder in the human body, it is easier for gallbladder cancer to grow without being detected. It can spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body, through the lymphatic system or the blood's circulatory system.

How prevalent is gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer is uncommon, but its incidence varies by region. It is more frequently observed in Central and South America, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. Gallbladder cancer is the 22^nd most common cancer worldwide. It is the 23^rd most common cancer in men and the 20^th most common cancer in women. It accounts for about 1.7% of all cancer mortality and approximately 3.5 million disability-adjusted life years (the loss of the equivalent of one year of full health) globally.

In Singapore, gallbladder cancer is rare, affecting 1.7 out of every 100,000 people.

It is more commonly diagnosed in older adults and individuals with specific risk factors such as gallstones or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder.