If a patient with gallbladder cancer exhibits jaundice, it does not necessarily mean the cancer is in its late stages. As the cancer grows, it may compress the bile duct, leading to obstructive jaundice. This can result in lighter-colored stools, darker urine, and yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, and even cause itchy skin. Therefore, it is not necessarily indicative of advanced gallbladder cancer.

Of course, if a patient with late-stage gallbladder cancer experiences liver metastasis, this might also manifest as yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body. At this point, it is necessary to carry out thorough examinations, common tests including abdominal CT scans and ultrasounds, which can better assess the condition. If metastasis is present, even systemic chemotherapy might be required to achieve a better treatment outcome.