What Are Gallbladder Polyps? Causes, Risks, Treatment Options

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October 31, 2010

Gallbladder polyps grow inside the gallbladder, where they often protrude from the interior lining. They are masses of tissue that vary in size, ranging from tiny to one centimeter in diameter or larger. Gallbladder polyps are present in approximately 4-5 percent of patients who complain to their doctor of gallbladder pain.

Currently, medical science is unclear on the exact cause of gallbladder polyps. However, those who are fifty years of age or more, or already have gallstones, are more likely to have gallbladder polyps than other people.

There are five kinds of gallbladder polyps.

* Cholesterosis – Of the five gallbladder polyp types, this is the most common. It is partially formed by cholesterol.

* Adenocarcinoma – This type is malignant. In other words, it is a form of gallbladder cancer.

There are three other types, but they are relatively rare. They are called hyperplastic, adenomyomatosis, and cholecystosis.

Gallbladder polyp symptoms are practically non-existent. When there are symptoms, however, there’s likely to be some pain or tenderness in the upper right abdomen, which may come and go or may be constant. If discomfort is severe and constant, it is probably not a symptom of gallbladder polyps. The cause is more likely to be gallstones.

Polyps are usually detected when your doctor does a gallbladder polyp ultrasound test, but he or she would normally use such a diagnostic tool only if other symptoms of gallbladder trouble have appeared.

If gallbladder polyps are discovered, more tests will be needed to find out if they’re malignant (cancerous).

Generally speaking, there’s no need for gallbladder polyp treatment or management. But in rare instances where gallbladder polyp pain becomes distressing enough, your doctor may recommend solving the problem with an operation. This is usually done with gallbladder removal surgery, and is especially likely if gallstones are also present. Cholecystectomy is the name medical professionals use for gallbladder removal surgery. It’s possible to live without your gallbladder (your liver is able to handle basic gallbladder functions alone), so doctors often recommend that the gallbladder be removed to avoid possible problems in the future.

As was previously mentioned, the most common kind of gallbladder polyp is the cholesterosis type, which is partially made up of cholesterol. Cholesterol, in fact, causes a variety of gallbladder problems.To maintain your best possible gallbladder health, eat a lot of cholesterol free foods and maintain a low cholesterol diet.

By following these other tips, you’ll improve your chances of never having gallbladder polyps or other gallbladder disorders:

* reduce your consumption of fried foods as much as possible and limit the amount of red meat in your diet
* choose vinegar and olive oil over most other salad dressings
* don’t eat fatty, high cholesterol meals right before you go to bed
* avoid crash diets, which can be tough on your digestive system. If you want to lose weight, pace yourself.

If you’re already troubled by gallbladder polyps or other gallbladder problems, you can avoid aggravating them by

* stay away from carbonated drinks
* use low fat dairy products when possible
* when shopping for meat, choose lean cuts and remove visible fat before cooking..
* ask your doctor if you should be taking fish oil supplements. These contain a substance known as omega-3 fatty acid, which helps limit the formation of cholesterol in bile..
* find recipes that contain ginger and tumeric, which have been shown to be good for the gallbladder.

Finally, keep in mind that a diet that’s good for your gallbladder is also good for your heart and your health in general. That means lots of fruits, vegetables and grains.

To learn more about cancer and gallbladder polyps, click on are gallbladder polyps dangerous. Also click on gallbladder removal for more information about gallbladder removal surgery. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio journalist. You can read more of his articles by clicking on Gallbladder Health.

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