Review

Epidemiology of Gallbladder Cancer: An Update

Manoj Pandey and Mridula Shukla
World Journal of Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention 2018, 7:1

Abstract

Background

Carcinoma of the gallbladder is relatively rare tumor. It is characterized by selective geographical distribution and female preponderance. The disease is often detected late and has poor prognosis.

Methods

An extensive search of literature was carried out on Pubmed to identified epidemiological studies on gallbladder cancer. The studies were subdivided by various known factors or those who have been investigated.

Results

A total of 338 articles were reviewed. The proposed and investigated factors identified are chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, racial ethical and genetic factors, dietary and life style factor, menstrual factor, carcinogens, occupational exposure, obesity, body mass index and many others.

Conclusion

The results of the present review show that there is no consensus on the cause of gallbladder cancer. Most of the studies lack sufficient power to decisively conclude any of the factors studied as the cause.

Key words

Gallbladder, cancer, carcinoma, neoplasm, epidemiology, gall stones, obesity, BMI, race, Diet

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