Liver and Gallbladder Cancer

Lack of appetite, pain, palpable liver mass, dark urine, or light stool can be symptoms of liver cancer. Abdominal pain is a common symptom of gallbladder cancer. If jaundice occurs,  where your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, it is highly recommended to see a doctor as it could be a sign of serious underlying liver disease or a malignant tumor. 

Cancer of the liver and gallbladder can be difficult to detect since symptoms can be unclear for a long time. The disease is often discovered through ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Unfortunately, in these cases it is often diagnosed at a late stage, which reduces the chances of a cure. 

At Karolinska, oncologists and surgeons work closely with each patient, resulting in shorter diagnostic processes and, consequently, a quicker start of treatment. Our work and procedures improve the prognosis for liver and gallbladder cancer patients and can be crucial to prevent further spreading. 

The extent of the cancer and if it has spread to other parts of the body, determines the recommended treatment. Surgery is often the primary method to remove the tumor, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy are often combined treatments in addition to surgery. 

Karolinska always offers individualized care based on each patient's needs and health in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.