Gallbladder Cancer
What
is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a disease in which
malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the
gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that stores and
concentrates bile. It is
connected to the liver (which produces the bile) by the hepatic duct. It
is approximately 3 to 4
inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) long and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Bile is a
fluid made by the liver to
digest fat. When food is being broken down in the stomach and intestines,
bile is released from the
gallbladder through a tube called the common bile duct, which connects the
gallbladder and liver
to the first part of the small intestine. Gallbladder cancer is difficult
to detect and diagnose early.
However, an Ultrasound, liver function tests, CEA assay, CAT scan, and an
MRI may be used to
detect gallbladder cancer.
Cancer of
the Gall Bladder is a uncommon and, because the Gall Bladder lies beneath
the liver, is
often difficult to detect and diagnose. Additionally, it may produce few
and/or only mild symptoms
during its early stages. Gall Bladder cancer appears to be more common in
women than in men.
Gall Bladder cancer is usually classified into one of three stages:
1) localized, resectable - the cancer is confined to the Gall Bladder and
can be removed surgically;
2) localized, unresectable - the cancer is confined to the Gall Bladder
but because of
complications, it cannot be removed surgically.
What is “Cancer”
Insurance?
Cancer insurance provides benefits only if you get cancer. If yes, then
Cancer policies sold today
vary widely in cost and coverage. If you decide to purchase a cancer
insurance policy, contact
different companies and agents, and compare the policies before you buy.
Cancer insurance is
sometimes referred to as a specified disease or dreaded disease policy.
It is also necessary if you
are considering the purchase of cancer insurance or other specified
disease type coverage, it is a
good idea to carefully review your current health insurance policies.
Before going for cancer
insurance you should make it clear from agent or company that all
expenses will be covered by
policy or only hospital costs will be bared by cancer insurance policy.
Many cancer insurance
policies have fixed cost limits. Cancer insurance is not a substitute for
comprehensive coverage. |
