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- July 31, 2025
Gallstones or Gallbladder Cancer? When to See a Surgical Oncologist in South Kolkata
Introduction: Not Every Pain Is Simple
Gallstones are often shrugged off in India as a minor issue—especially in middle-aged women. However, a growing number of patients in South Kolkata, Salt Lake, and New Town have been misdiagnosed or delayed proper treatment, only to find out they were battling gallbladder cancer.
But how do you know when that nagging pain under your right rib cage isn’t just a digestive issue?
As a female surgical oncologist in Kolkata, I’ve seen far too many cases where early diagnosis could have saved lives.
In this guide, we’ll discuss:
- The difference between gallstones and gallbladder cancer
- Symptoms you should never ignore
- Who is most at risk
- When to consult a gallbladder cancer specialist
- How to get screened early in South Kolkata
What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits—mostly cholesterol—that form in your gallbladder. They’re common in women over 40, particularly those who are overweight, diabetic, or have a family history.
Most people don’t even know they have them until they feel:
- Sudden pain in the right upper abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting after eating oily foods
- Discomfort that lasts for 30 minutes to several hours
But while gallstones can be managed, mistaking them for early cancer signs can be fatal.
The Overlap: Gallstones vs. Gallbladder Cancer
Here’s the problem: Gallbladder cancer in its early stage mimics gallstone symptoms. This is why even experienced GPs may not catch it early.
| Feature | Gallstones | Gallbladder Cancer |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Pain | Sudden, after fatty meals | Constant, dull ache |
| Jaundice (yellow eyes/skin) | Rare | Common in later stages |
| Nausea | Intermittent | Persistent |
| Fever | Yes (if infected) | Rare |
| Lump or swelling | Rare | Possible |
| Unexplained weight loss | No | Often present |
Who’s at Risk for Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is aggressive but often asymptomatic in its early phase. Here are the high-risk groups:
- Women over 40 (especially after menopause)
- Individuals with a history of gallstones or gallbladder polyps
- People living in the Ganges belt (Bihar, West Bengal, Assam) due to high environmental risk
- Those with chronic gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Patients with porcelain gallbladder (calcification of the gallbladder wall)
Why South Kolkata Should Pay Attention
Areas like Garia, Kasba, Behala, and Ballygunge have seen a rise in late-stage gallbladder cancer diagnosis. The reasons?
- Self-medication or delayed consultations
- Misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms
- Limited awareness of specialized surgical oncology options
A Word from Dr. Pallabika Mandal
“One of my recent patients, a 52-year-old homemaker from Santoshpur, came in thinking it was acidity and gallstones. An ultrasound showed early gallbladder carcinoma. Because she came in early, surgery was curative. These are the victories we want more of.”
Diagnostic Tools to Separate the Two
If you’ve had gallstones and are seeing new or persistent symptoms, here’s what to ask your doctor:
- Ultrasound (USG Whole Abdomen) – initial test for stones and wall thickening
- CT Scan or MRI – more detailed imaging to spot masses or spread
- Blood tests (Liver Function Tests, CA 19-9) – indicators of biliary obstruction or malignancy
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – highly sensitive for small tumors
- Biopsy (if needed) – final confirmation
Timing Matters: When to See a Cancer Surgeon
You should consider a surgical oncologist if:
- You’ve had gallstones but pain persists even after treatment
- You develop jaundice, weight loss, or swelling
- You’ve had gallstones for years without surgery
- A scan shows thickened gallbladder walls or polyps
- You’re a post-menopausal woman with abdominal discomfort
In South Kolkata, patients often delay specialist consultation. But every month counts when it comes to gallbladder cancer.
Where to Get Checked in South Kolkata
Dr. Pallabika Mandal is available at:
Peerless Hospital
360 Panchasayar, Kolkata – 700094
🕔 Time: 5 PM – 7 PM
Call for Appointments:
+91 9957560181 / +91 8787432741
Preventive Tips for Gallbladder Health
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid excessive oily/fried foods
- Stay physically active
- Get annual USG checkups if you’ve had gallstones
- Consult a specialist if symptoms change or worsen
Final Takeaway: Don’t Dismiss Your Discomfort
If you live in South Kolkata, Salt Lake, or Rajarhat and have been treating your abdominal pain with antacids or ignoring it altogether—it’s time to pause.
Get evaluated. Be safe, not sorry.