gallbladder carcinoma, a malignant neoplasm of the bile reservoir, characterized by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, progressively worsening right upper quadrant pain, and eventually jaundice. Tumors of the gallbladder are predominantly adenocarcinomas. Often associated with biliary calculi and chronic cholecystitis, they are three to four times more common in women than in men and rarely occur before 40 years of age. Physical examination reveals an enlarged gallbladder in about half of the cases. Ultrasound or radiographic tests may aid in making a diagnosis. Complete removal of the gallbladder may sometimes be curative, but partial hepatectomy may be required because the tumor typically infiltrates the liver and ducts. Palliative surgery is often needed. Radiotherapy may be palliative. Chemotherapy is usually ineffective.
