Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer that often presents aggressively. It starts in the gallbladder, a small organ located below the liver that stores bile. Unfortunately, it is usually diagnosed at late stages, making treatment difficult and leading to poor prognosis. Symptoms are often general and mimic other conditions, delaying diagnosis. Early symptoms include mild pain or a feeling of heaviness in the right side of the abdomen just below the ribs, often described as a pulling sensation rather than sharp pain. This discomfort tends to come and go and may be mistaken for indigestion, gas, or gallstones. Persistent or unusual pain in this area should not be ignored as it is near the liver and gallbladder.

Nausea commonly occurs in early stages, often after eating small amounts of food. Nausea is a common symptom of various digestive conditions and can be overlooked. Medical consultation is advised if nausea persists or worsens for several weeks without an obvious cause such as pregnancy or indigestion. However, nausea can result from many other factors and is not always a symptom of gallbladder cancer.

Early-stage gallbladder cancer patients often experience decreased appetite without a clear reason and sudden weight loss. This symptom develops gradually but is an important warning sign because cancer disrupts energy use and nutrient absorption. Unintentional weight loss or persistent loss of appetite should prompt medical advice.

Blockage of the bile duct in gallbladder cancer leads to bile accumulation in the bloodstream, causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). Early jaundice appears light and can be difficult to detect, especially in dark skin. Initial signs of bile buildup include itching, dark urine, and pale stools. Even mild symptoms require immediate examination. If jaundice is not caused by cancer, it can be fully treated if detected early and does not cause long-term harm.

Persistent unexplained fatigue accompanied by weakness may indicate various medical issues or possibly gallbladder cancer. The fatigue here is more severe than usual and worsens over time. People often ignore this symptom, attributing it to stress or lack of sleep. Medical consultation is necessary if fatigue appears with abdominal pain or nausea.