An uncommon late effect after treatment for childhood cancer is gallstones, which are solid lumps of cholesterol or bilirubin that form in the gall bladder. Survivors who are most likely to develop gallstones are those who had abdominal radiation, stem cell transplants, and have cirrhosis of the liver.

Some people with gallstones are asymptomatic (having no symptoms), and the gallstones are discovered in routine x-rays. Asymptomatic gallstones are usually not treated. However, if a gallstone blocks a bile duct, then pain develops in the mid-right abdomen or upper right abdomen.

Other symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and clay-colored stools.

If you have these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider immediately. Gallstones are usually diagnosed with an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. In the past, open surgery was done to remove the gall bladder. Now, the gall bladder is removed using laparoscopic surgery, which uses smaller incisions and usually results in a much shorter hospital stay.