Gallbladder cancer in eastern India – The current scenario and the challenges for the future

Background: The incidence of gallbladder cancer is high in our institute. In India, there is lack of epidemiological study to identify putative risk factors causing gallbladder carcinoma. This study was designed to observe clinical, epidemiological aspects and risk factor of the gallbladder cancer. Early detection and diagnosis will help to decrease gallbladder carcinoma related mortality. Material and methods: After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval, gallbladder cases were identified from the institutional cancer registry. Then those data were tabulated in the excel sheet in the different epidemiological parameters and its outcome responses during June 2019 to December 2020. Results: Among 108 patients gallbladder adenocarcinoma were predominant (89.81%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (10.19%). Most patients were female (64%) with metastatic presentation (86%). Most commonly encountered risk factors were Gall stone disease (59.26%). 11% patients with porcelain gallbladder causing gallbladder carcinoma were found in this study. Conclusion: The incidence has been on a steady rise in Indian population. The presentation is often with advanced disease and carries dismal prognosis. Most of the patient presented late, due to disease remain silent in early stage and also delayed and few were irregular in follow-up due to COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies with longer duration of follow-up are necessary. Keywords: incidence; hepatitis B & C virus; gallbladder cancer; gallbladder stone