In this article, you’ll learn more about who gets gallbladder disease and why, when to see a healthcare provider, and the benefits of early screening for gallbladder disease.
Overview
Gallbladder diseases generally include gallbladder inflammation and gallstones. An inflamed gallbladder cannot function properly. Gallstones are formed when bile creates blockages in the digestive tract. This blockage causes intermittent pain in the upper right abdomen, under the rib cage. Over time, symptoms can worsen and lead to gallbladder scarring and hardening, as well as infection.
Gallbladder diseases include:
Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)Gallstones (ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball)Gangrene or abscessesTissue or tumor growths Birth or congenital defects of the gallbladderSclerosing cholangitis (rare disease affecting bile ducts)
How Common Is Gallbladder Disease?
Gallbladder disease is very common. There are an estimated 1.8 million hospital visits per year for gallbladder diseases. This number is said to be an underestimate of the medical burden because most gallbladder problems are addressed so soon after they start.
Gallbladder Disease by Ethnicity
White Americans have been observed to be more affected by gallstones. But the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases points to research suggesting Native Americans, in particular, have genes that raise the amount of cholesterol in their bile. As such, they actually have the highest rate of gallstones in the United States.
Gallbladder Disease by Age and Gender
Age and gender can influence the incidence of gallbladder disease.
Age
The risk of gallbladder disease increases with age. A person’s risk of gallbladder disease increases 4 to 10 times after they reach age 40. The makeup and appearance of gallstones can change with age, too. While gallstones in younger persons are more commonly made up of cholesterol, in older populations it’s more common to find gallstones with black pigment.
Gender
Cisgender women are said to be twice as likely to develop gallbladder disease than cisgender men. This is particularly true during the female reproductive years. The gender gap begins narrowing during later life post-menopause years. These findings suggest sex hormones such as estrogen play a role in risk of developing gallbladder disease.
Causes of Gallbladder Disease and Risk Factors
Most commonly the cause of gallbladder disease is gallstones. While ethnicity, age, and gender play a role in gallbladder disease development, there are other risk factors you should know about.
Additional risk factors for gallstones include:
Excessive cholesterol or bilirubin in bile Certain hormones or medications that make the emptying function of the gallbladder slow and promotes the buildup of bile Having obesity (particularly carrying weight around the waist) Pregnancy Rapid weight loss, which can increase cholesterol release Sedentary lifestyle (not being active) Having diabetes, insulin resistance, or liver disease Having a family history of gallstones People with certain health conditions affecting nutrient absorption or digestive functioning
What Are the Mortality Rates for Gallbladder Disease?
Having gallbladder disease increases overall mortality (death) and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. A study found that the mortality rate for gallbladder disease is 16.5%.
It was estimated that more than 12,000 new cases of gallbladder cancer would be diagnosed in 2022 in the United States. Mortality rates for gallbladder cancer are higher than for gallbladder disease. Part of the higher risk of mortality is due to cancer typically being detected in later stages, after spreading.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) adds that only about 1 in 5 gallbladder cancers is found in the early stages, before the cancer has had a chance to spread. Mortality rates are directly associated with time of detection.
Screening and Early Detection
It’s said that gallbladder disease can sneak up on a person and you may not experience gallstone symptoms right away. This means by the time you experience significant symptoms or seek support from a healthcare provider, the condition may already be serious.
But screening and early detection are done with standard lab tests like an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an outpatient setting. If present, gallstones can then be removed, reducing the risk of long-term damage by scarring.
Gallbladder Cancer Screening
When found early, there’s a 66% five-year survival rate, meaning on average, someone who is diagnosed at this early stage (when the cancer is still localized), has a 66% chance of living five more years. If screening and early detection are missed, and the gallbladder cancer is found after spreading to what’s called a “distant” location, the five-year survival rate drops to 2%.
Gallbladder disease also can develop from taking certain medications or health conditions that impact gallbladder functioning. A healthcare provider can detect and remove any gallstones you may have. This effectively reduces the risk of getting other health complications, including rare gallbladder cancer.
A Word From Verywell
Gallbladder diseases are serious, but they can be treated. If you experience any symptoms of gallbladder disease, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider to treat it before it gets more serious.
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