Busting Common Myths about Gallbladder Cancer: Facts You Should Know

24 Oct, 2025

Gallbladder cancer is one of the lesser-known cancers but is more common in certain regions, especially in North India and the Gangetic plains, where the incidence is among the highest in the world. Unfortunately, misinformation often leads to fear, delay in diagnosis, or wrong assumptions.

In this blog, Dr. Vivek Mangla, Gastrointestinal, HPB & Colorectal Cancer Surgeon at Max Hospital, Patparganj & Max Vaishali, Delhi NCR, busts some of the most common myths surrounding gallbladder cancer and shares what patients really need to know.

Myth 1: Gallstones Always Cause Gallbladder Cancer

Fact: While gallstones are the most common risk factor for gallbladder cancer, not everyone with gallstones will develop it. Gallstones are very common, but gallbladder cancer remains relatively rare.

Having gallstones does increase the risk, but it does not make cancer inevitable. Regular monitoring and timely removal of symptomatic gallstones are key preventive steps, especially for people living in high-risk areas like North India.

Myth 2: Gallbladder Cancer Is Always a Death Sentence

Fact: The prognosis of gallbladder cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis. When detected early and removed completely through gallbladder cancer surgery, it can be cured.

Many cases are detected incidentally — that is, during biopsy of the gallbladder removed for gallstones. Early detection is crucial as patients diagnosed in the early stage have the best long-term survival rates.

Myth 3: Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer Are Always Obvious

Fact: Early-stage gallbladder cancer often has no clear symptoms. When symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or jaundice occur, they may resemble routine gallbladder disease.

That’s why it’s vital to get your gallbladder evaluated if symptoms persist or change. Sometimes, incidental gallbladder cancers are discovered after routine gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) for stones.

Myth 4: All Gallbladder Polyps Turn Into Cancer

Fact: Most gallbladder polyps are benign. The risk depends on size and patient factors. Polyps larger than 10 mm—or smaller ones with other risk factors—may require surgical removal.

Smaller polyps can be followed up with periodic ultrasound scans. Each decision should be individualized after consulting a gallbladder cancer specialist who understands regional risks, as North India and the Gangetic plains have some of the highest gallbladder cancer rates globally.

Myth 5: Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal Spreads Cancer

Fact: Earlier reports of cancer spread at laparoscopic port sites raised concern, but with today’s surgical precision, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe when done by experts. Using retrieval bags and avoiding gallbladder perforation during surgery minimizes any risk.

If cancer is found incidentally after surgery, additional oncologic surgery may be needed. However, this is no reason to avoid laparoscopic surgery in routine cases.

Myth 6: Chemotherapy Doesn’t Work for Gallbladder Cancer

Fact:Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in managing advanced gallbladder cancer. Modern combinations such as cisplatin + gemcitabine or gemcitabine + oxaliplatin have improved outcomes.

Additionally, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are emerging as promising options for certain patients. While cure is not usually possible with chemotherapy alone, it helps control symptoms and extend life expectancy.

Myth 7: Gallbladder Cancer Only Affects Older People

Fact: While gallbladder cancer risk increases with age, it can affect younger or middle-aged adults as well. Factors like gallstones, chronic infections, family history, and regional prevalence matter more than age alone.

The youngest patient treated for gallbladder cancer by Dr.VivekMangla was only 32 years old — proving that awareness and early screening are essential for all age groups.

Myth 8: Diet or Supplements Can Cure Gallbladder Cancer

Fact: There is no proven diet or supplement that can prevent or cure gallbladder cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and managing gallstones or infections can reduce general cancer risk, but they cannot replace medical treatment.

Always rely on evidence-based care from a gallbladder cancer specialist rather than unverified home remedies.

Myth 9: Gallbladder Removal Ruins Digestion Forever

Fact: Most people live completely normal lives after gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy). Bile simply flows directly from the liver into the intestine, and the body adapts well.

Some people may experience mild digestive changes initially, but these usually improve with time. The long-term benefits of removing a diseased or high-risk gallbladder far outweigh temporary discomfort.

Quick Practical Advice

• Persistent upper abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or gallbladder polyps on imaging should never be ignored. Consult a gastrointestinal cancer specialist for evaluation.
• If you undergo gallbladder surgery, always insist on a biopsy (histopathologic examination) of the removed organ, as 1–0.3% of cases may reveal incidental gallbladder cancer.
• For advanced gallbladder cancer, systemic therapies like chemotherapy and targeted therapy can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with gallbladder disease or suspected gallbladder cancer, it’s essential to consult an experienced gastrointestinal and HPB surgeon.

Dr. Vivek Mangla, one of the leading gallbladder cancer specialists in Delhi NCR, offers expert diagnosis, surgery, and comprehensive care for patients with gallbladder and biliary tract cancers at Max Hospital, Patparganj & Max Vaishali.