Dr. Rami Hamed Medical Blog

Gallbladder Polyps: What to Do?

Written by Dr. Hassan M.Hashem Alshater | December 07, 2018

Gallbladder Polyps: What to Do?

  • The gallbladder polyps are normally harmless and small but sometimes, they may be cancerous. They may cause pain and colic.
  • They are composed of cholesterol buildup.
  • The size of the polyp matters. The larger the size, the greater risk of becoming cancerous. Smaller than 1 cm polyps are unlikely to be cancerous. Diagnosis is made by ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET), or CT scan.
  • Treatment is divided into either wait and watch or cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). 
  • Gall bladder cancer because of polyps that are smaller than 0.5 cm across is rare.
  • Ultrasound follow-up is recommended every six months for polyps less than 1 cm. Gallbladder polyp starting from 1 cm and more is an indication for cholecystectomy.

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