Gallbladder Cancer: Symptoms and Signs

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 08/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the changes and medical problems that can be a sign of gallbladder cancer. Use the menu to see other pages.

What are the symptoms and signs of gallbladder cancer?

People with gallbladder cancer may experience one or more of the following symptoms or signs. Symptoms are changes that you can feel in your body. Signs are changes in something measured, like taking your blood pressure or doing a lab test. Together, symptoms and signs can help describe a medical problem. Sometimes, people with gallbladder cancer do not have any of the symptoms and signs described below. Or, the cause of a symptom or sign may be a medical condition that is not cancer, such as a stomach virus.

Gallbladder cancer is usually not found at an early stage because the gallbladder is located deep inside the body. Often, there may be no symptoms at all. Therefore, gallbladder cancer can be difficult to detect during routine physical examinations. Sometimes, gallbladder cancer is found unexpectedly after removal of the gallbladder for another reason, such as gallstones or infection of the gallbladder. When symptoms do occur, they include the following:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, including the gums and inner lips, and yellowing of the whites of the eyes)

  • Abdominal pain and cramping

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Bloating

  • A lump in the abdomen

  • Fever

  • Itchy skin

If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor. Your doctor will try to understand what is causing your symptom(s). They may do an exam and order tests to understand the cause of the problem, which is called a diagnosis.

If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. Managing symptoms may also be called "palliative and supportive care," which is not the same as hospice care given at the end of life. This type of care focuses on managing symptoms and supporting people who face serious illnesses, such as cancer. You can receive palliative and supportive care at any time during cancer treatment. Learn more in this guide’s section on Coping with Treatment.

Be sure to talk with your health care team about the symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.

The next section in this guide is Diagnosis. It explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.