Related Experiment Videos
Cholelithiasis in gallbladder cancer: coincidence, cofactor, or cause!
S V Shrikhande1, S G Barreto, S Singh
1Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India. shailushrikhande@hotmail.com <shailushrikhande@hotmail.com>
Summary
Gallstones are a cofactor in gallbladder cancer, but not a direct cause. Recommendations for gallbladder removal surgery should consider local cancer rates and gallstone prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gallstones are frequently observed alongside gallbladder cancer.
- The precise relationship between gallstones and gallbladder cancer requires further elucidation.
- Clarifying this link is crucial for informing decisions about prophylactic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the scientific literature on the association between gallstones and gallbladder cancer.
- To clarify the role of gallstones in the development of gallbladder cancer.
- To inform recommendations for prophylactic cholecystectomy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
- Publications from 1891 to 2009 focusing on gallstones and gallbladder cancer were included.
- Systematic review methodology was employed.
Main Results:
- Epidemiological studies provide some evidence for a causal link between gallstones and gallbladder cancer.
- However, some regions with high gallstone prevalence show low gallbladder cancer incidence.
- Increased risk of cancer correlates with larger, heavier, and more numerous gallstones; stone duration and composition remain unclear.
- Experimental studies introducing gallstones did not induce cancer.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests gallstones act as a cofactor in gallbladder cancer development, not a sole cause.
- Definitive proof of gallstones causing gallbladder cancer is lacking.
- Prophylactic cholecystectomy recommendations should be individualized based on regional epidemiological data for gallbladder cancer and gallstones.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
01:17Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it is comparable in size to a kiwi fruit and is located in a hollow area on the lower surface of the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion.
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...