Risk factors of gallbladder cancer in Karachi-a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Gallbladder carcinoma (GC) is a rare cancer globally, yet it is the second most common gastrointestinal cancer among Pakistani women.
• Gallstones are positively associated with GC, but other contributing factors are also recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with gallbladder carcinoma (GC) in a Pakistani population.
• To investigate the relationship between gallstone characteristics (size, number) and GC development.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control study was conducted over 19 years.
• Cases (N=60) had histopathologically proven GC; controls (N=120) had cholelithiasis without GC.
• Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors.

Main Results:

• Independent risk factors for GC included age over 55 years (OR=7.27), solitary stones (OR=3.33), and stones >1 cm (OR=2.73).
• A higher proportion of GC patients were multiparous women (69%) compared to controls (43%).
• Mean age of diagnosis was significantly higher in the GC group (57 years) versus the control group (48 years).

Conclusions:

• Older age, solitary gallstones, and large stone size (>1 cm) are significant independent risk factors for gallbladder carcinoma.
• Prophylactic cholecystectomy may be considered for high-risk individuals.
• Further population-based and multi-center studies are needed to confirm findings and guide screening strategies.