Don’t Ignore It: Persistent Right-Side Rib Pain and Chronic Bloating May Signal Gallbladder Cancer, Doctors Warn

Bangkok, February 8, 2026 — The National Cancer Institute under Thailand’s Department of Medical Services is urging the public not to overlook persistent right upper abdominal pain and chronic bloating, warning that such symptoms may indicate gallbladder cancer, particularly among individuals with a long-standing history of gallstones.

Early medical evaluation can significantly increase treatment success and reduce the risk of advanced disease.

 

Often Detected at an Advanced Stage

Dr. Sakan Bunnag, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that gallbladder cancer is relatively rare compared to other cancers. According to Thailand’s national cancer registry, approximately 850 new cases are diagnosed each year.

However, the disease is often detected at an advanced stage due to its nonspecific symptoms in early phases.

Some patients may experience only mild or common symptoms such as:

- Abdominal discomfort

- Bloating

- Pain beneath the right rib cage

These symptoms are frequently associated with less serious conditions and may resolve on their own. Nevertheless, if symptoms persist longer than usual, medical consultation is strongly recommended to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate care.

 

Understanding Gallbladder Cancer

The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver. It stores bile, which aids in fat digestion.

Gallbladder cancer develops when abnormal cells in the gallbladder lining grow uncontrollably. Risk factors include:

- Long-term gallstones combined with chronic inflammation

- Structural abnormalities of the gallbladder

- Recurrent gallbladder infections

- Increasing age

While most individuals with gallstones do not develop cancer, they are considered a higher-risk group and should receive appropriate monitoring — especially if unexplained or persistent symptoms occur.

 

Treatment Depends on Stage

Air Chief Marshal Dr. Somchai Thanasitthichai, Director of the National Cancer Institute, explained that treatment depends largely on the stage of the disease.

Because most cases are diagnosed at a later stage, treatment often requires:

- Surgery

- Chemotherapy

- Radiation therapy

Due to the gallbladder’s anatomical position adjacent to the liver, the cancer may spread into nearby liver tissue. In such cases, partial liver resection may be necessary. Treatment planning typically requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

In some instances, early-stage gallbladder cancer is discovered incidentally during gallbladder removal surgery performed for other conditions. When detected early, surgical treatment offers significantly better outcomes and a higher chance of cure.

 

Public Health Advice

Health officials emphasize the importance of balanced awareness  neither ignoring warning signs nor becoming unnecessarily alarmed.

General preventive recommendations include:

- Maintaining a healthy weight

- Avoiding obesity

- Undergoing regular health check-ups as advised by physicians

- Seeking medical evaluation for persistent symptoms, especially among those with gallstones

Early detection remains the key to improving treatment outcomes and reducing mortality from gallbladder cancer.

 

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