What is a gallbladder polyp?
Epithelial cells lining the inner surface of the digestive system can grow in place, forming lumps of various sizes. These lumps are generally called polyps. Polyps are most commonly found in the large intestine (colon).
Gallbladder polyps originate in the mucosal layer of the epithelial cells lining the inner wall of the gallbladder. Their prevalence in the general population ranges from 3% to 6%, and approximately 95% of polyps are benign.
What are the types of gallbladder polyps?
There are four types of polyps in the gallbladder. About 60% are cholesterol polyps, which are benign and do not become cancerous. Around 25% are adenomyomas, which originate from both the muscle and mucosa of the gallbladder wall. Inflammatory polyps account for approximately 10%, and true (adenomatous) polyps make up 4–5%.
What are the types of gallbladder polyps?
The exact cause of gallbladder polyps is not fully known; however, clinical studies suggest that factors such as age, gender, diabetes, and obesity may influence polyp development. They are generally seen in women around 40 years old. Additionally, fat metabolism and genetic factors can also contribute to polyp formation.
What are the types of gallbladder polyps?
Gallbladder polyps usually do not cause symptoms; however, when symptoms do occur, they may include discomfort in the upper right abdomen, bloating, nausea, and complaints that increase after eating.
How are gallbladder polyps diagnosed?
Gallbladder polyps are usually detected incidentally while investigating other conditions. Diagnosis is made using non-invasive imaging methods such as abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as minimally invasive radiological methods like endoscopic ultrasonography.
How are gallbladder polyps diagnosed?
The treatment of gallbladder polyps is planned based on the size of the polyp determined by ultrasound. Gallbladder polyps larger than 20 mm carry a risk of cancer and should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Polyps between 10–20 mm are considered “potentially malignant,” so the gallbladder is removed surgically. However, approximately 90% of gallbladder polyps are smaller than 10 mm. If there are signs of gallbladder inflammation—such as bloating, pain, nausea, or fever after meals—the gallbladder is also surgically removed.
Polyps smaller than 5 mm that do not cause any symptoms are monitored with ultrasonography every 6 months. If no growth is observed, these checks are performed annually. Surgery is recommended if growth occurs or if signs of inflammation develop.