Cancer of the gallbladder
Cancer of the gallbladder is a rare but serious complication of gallstones. An estimated 600 cases of gallbladder cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year.
Having a history of gallstones is a major risk factor for developing gallbladder cancer. Approximately 80% of people who have cancer of the gallbladder also have a history of gallstones.
However, people with a history of gallstones have a less than 1 in 10,000 chance of developing gallbladder cancer.
If you have additional risk factors, such as a family history of gallbladder cancer, it may be recommended that your gallbladder be removed as a precaution, even if you only have asymptomatic gallstones (no symptoms).
The symptoms of gallbladder cancer are similar to those of complicated gallstone disease, including:
- abdominal pain
- high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Gallbladder cancer can be treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
More information about gallbladder cancer is available at Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK.
Gallstone ileus
Another rare but serious complication of gallstones is known as gallstone ileus. This is where the bowel becomes obstructed by a gallstone.
Gallstone ileus can occur when an abnormal channel, known as a fistula, opens up near the gallbladder. Gallstones are then able to travel through the fistula and can block the bowel. Symptoms of gallstone ileus include:
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- swelling of the abdomen
- constipation
A bowel obstruction requires immediate medical treatment. If it is not treated, there is a risk that the bowel could rupture (split). This could cause internal bleeding and widespread infection.
If you suspect that you have an obstructed bowel, contact your GP as soon as possible. If this is not possible, phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Surgery is usually required to remove the gallstone and unblock the bowel. The type of surgery that you will receive depends on where in the bowel the obstruction has occurred.
