General Information About Gallbladder Polyps
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
They are non-moving (attached to the wall) bumps (small pieces of flesh) originating from the inner lining of the gallbladder, usually hanging into the cavity on a stalk.
Stones are hard objects that float and roll freely inside the gallbladder; they can block the duct and cause severe pain (colic). Polyps, on the other hand, are attached to the flesh (wall) of the gallbladder. They do not change location (they are fixed) even if the patient is moved during an ultrasound, and they usually do not cause any pain.
Cholesterol Polyp (Pseudo): Accounts for 90% of cases. It is caused by cholesterol in the bile fluid leaking into the wall and creating a swelling. They are smaller than 10 mm and NEVER turn into cancer.
Adenoma Polyp (True): It occurs when a gallbladder cell multiplies on its own and forms a tumor (flesh). Once they exceed 10 mm and grow rapidly, they carry a very high risk of transforming into Gallbladder Cancer (Carcinoma) over time.
They mostly cause no symptoms and are found completely by coincidence (as a surprise) during an Abdominal Ultrasound done for another reason. Rarely, if the polyp is very close to the entrance of the bile duct, it may obstruct bile outflow and cause upper right abdominal pain or indigestion after eating.
If the polyp is smaller than 5 millimeters (5 mm), the cancer risk is close to zero; it is only checked once a year via Ultrasound to see if it has grown. If the polyp is between 6-9 mm, the doctor will request strict follow-up (ultrasound) every 6 months.
There is no medication that can dissolve a polyp. Surgery is MANDATORY before it turns cancerous in the following situations:
- If the size of the polyp exceeds 10 millimeters (1 cm),
- If it is growing rapidly in follow-up ultrasounds (e.g., increased by 2-3 mm in 6 months),
- If the polyp has a broad base (sessile) or if it causes pain in conjunction with a gallstone.
How is the Surgery Performed? Not just the polyp, but the ENTIRE gallbladder is surgically removed (via Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy). It is technically impossible and incorrect to remove only the polyp from inside the gallbladder. The body continues to function healthily without a gallbladder.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
