Gallbladder Polyps

Gallbladder polyps are common occurrences, and in majority of cases they do not progress to cancer. Let us know more about gallbladder polyps by going through the following health article.
Gallbladder polyps are one of the most common protrusions that occur within the lining of the gallbladder. It is said they affect about 4 to 5% of people. In majority of cases, one does not require any kind of treatment for gallbladder polyps. People diagnosed with gallbladder polyps often have many doubts regarding these growths. The following paragraphs will discuss information that will help clear all doubts regarding this gallbladder condition.

An Overview for Gallbladder Polyps
 Gallbladder polyps are lesions that occur in the inner lining of the gallbladder. They protrude from the walls of the gallbladder. They are harmless growths that are made up of cholesterol and inflammatory muscle tissues. Around 95% of the cases of polyps in the gallbladder are non-cancerous and do not give rise to cancer. However, in a few cases, these polyps are adenomatous in nature and progress to form cancerous tumors. The diseased gallbladder, where the wall of the organ becomes very thick due to excessive growth of cellular layer is called adenomyomatosis.

Types of Gallbladder Polyps
 There are five types of gallbladder polyps that may occur in a patient. These polyps include cholesterosis, adenocarcinoma, hyperplastic, adenomyatosis and cholecystitis. The most common forms are cholestrosis and adenocarcinoma. Cholestrosis occurs due to accumulation of cholesterol in the gallbladder as well as the mucosal membrane of the organ. Adenocarcinoma is a form of gallbladder cancer. Thus, it is supposed to be a dangerous form of polyp. Hyperplastic polyps are serrated polyps, adenomyatosis of gallbladder is a type of hyperplastic cholecystoses and cholecystitis is the inflammation of gallbladder due to presence of gallstones.

Size of Gallbladder Polyps
 The size of the polyps is the main factor that helps in determining whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous. A polyp that is about ½ inch in size (around 10 mm), is said to be benign. These polyps do not require any kind of treatment. An outgrowth of the mucosal lining of the gallbladder that develops into a finger-like projection is known as cholesterolosis or strawberry gallbladder. This occurs due to excessive accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the epithelial lining within the macrophages. These polyps are usually benign gallbladder polyps. Those that are larger than 10 mm in diameter are said to be high risk polyps, and may turn malignant. These high risk polyps need to be treated with cholecystectomy.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Polyps
 Gallbladder polyps do not cause any kind of symptoms. These polyps are mostly discovered accidentally during an ultrasound check up for some other condition, or abdominal pain. These polyps very commonly occur in people who suffer from gallstones signs and symptoms. If one does experience symptoms, they generally include pain and tenderness in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. A severe pain in the upper right abdominal region usually indicates gallstones.

Diagnostic Tests for Gallbladder Polyps
 Gallbladder polyps as mentioned above are found during an ultrasound examination. This examination helps in determining the size of the polyps. Apart from an ultrasound, the doctor may suggest positron emission tomography (PET scan) or computerized tomography (CT scan). This helps in evaluation of the cancerous cells in case of large polyps.
Treatment for Gallbladder Polyps
 In most cases, gallbladder polyps do not require any treatment as they are harmless. However, those that have the potential of turning cancerous have to be treated. The gallbladder polyps management in this case is to examine the polyps over a period of time. This helps the doctor understand if it is turning cancerous, or remains benign. Otherwise, the patient is asked to undergo cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder). If the polyps are less than 1 cm or 1.5 cm in diameter, the doctor will regularly monitor its progress and evaluate any suspicious developments.

Gallbladder polyps that are over a centimeter is size, have about 70% chance of turning cancerous. Thus, a polyp that is about 1 cm to 1.5 cm, is monitored regularly for about 2 years. If after this period there are no changes, it is assumed gallbladder polyps management is not required. Depending upon the type of gallbladder polyps, the doctor will decide the treatment plan. It is wise to visit the doctor for regular check ups and keep an eye on polyps that may turn cancerous. Being vigilant is the only way one can prevent polyps from turning into a cancerous complication.

By Batul Nafisa Baxamusa