You’ve just been told after an ultrasound that you have a gallbladder polyp. It sounds scary, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, should you be worried about cancer?
The short answer: not all polyps are dangerous, but some do need closer follow-up, especially depending on their size, your age, and whether you’re experiencing any symptoms.
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know what to look out for and when to seek advice.
What Exactly Is a Gallbladder Polyp?
A gallbladder polyp is a growth that sticks out from the inner lining of the gallbladder. Most of the time, these growths are benign (non-cancerous) and don’t cause any symptoms. They’re often found by chance during scans done for unrelated reasons, like tummy pain or health screening.
So, When Should You Worry?
Not all polyps are created equal. The likelihood of a gallbladder polyp being cancerous depends on several factors:
1. Size Matters
- Under 6mm: Usually harmless and often just monitored with repeat scans.
- 6–9mm: A bit of a grey area. Your doctor may recommend regular follow-up imaging to keep an eye on it.
- 10mm or larger: These are more concerning. Larger polyps have a higher chance of being cancerous or turning cancerous over time. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is usually considered at this point.
2. Age of the Patient
The risk of gallbladder cancer increases with age. If you’re over 50 and have a polyp, even a small one, your doctor may take a closer look or recommend surgery earlier than they would for a younger person.
3. Symptoms You’re Having
Most polyps don’t cause symptoms. But if you’re experiencing things like:
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting after fatty meals
- Digestive discomfort
…it might be a sign that the polyp, or something else in the gallbladder, is causing problems. Symptomatic polyps, especially if large, are more likely to require surgery.
Other Risk Factors to Keep in Mind
There are some other things that might increase your risk of gallbladder cancer:
- Gallstones: If you have both polyps and gallstones, the risk goes up slightly.
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis: A rare liver condition linked to higher cancer risk.
- Rapid growth: If a polyp increases in size on follow-up scans, it needs to be assessed more closely.
When Should You See a Specialist?
If your scan shows a gallbladder polyp, especially one over 6mm, or if you’re having symptoms, it’s worth speaking to a specialist. They can help assess the risks, decide on follow-up timing, and advise whether surgery is a sensible option.
Surgery to remove the gallbladder (called cholecystectomy) is a common and safe procedure. If done early, it can help prevent any potential cancer from developing, without waiting for trouble to start.
Let’s Talk It Through
Worried about your scan results or feeling unsure about what to do next?
At LS Lee Surgery, Dr Lee Lip Seng, Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgeon, can help you understand what your polyp means, what your options are, and whether further monitoring or treatment is needed. With a calm, no-pressure approach, you’ll get the guidance you need to make the right call.
Reach out today to book a consultation and get clarity on your gallbladder health.
Not all polyps are dangerous, but knowing when to act makes all the difference.
