What to do about polyps in the gallbladder

What to do about polyps in the gallbladder

Gallbladder polyps are benign or malignant lesions protruding on the gallbladder wall. In recent years, with the popularization of physical examinations, the detection rate has gradually increased. Many patients feel confused and worried after discovering gallbladder polyps and don't know what to do. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with detailed answers to questions related to polyps in the gallbladder.

1. Basic knowledge of gallbladder polyps

Gallbladder polyps are a general term for a type of lesions in which the gallbladder mucosa protrudes into the cavity. According to the pathological type, gallbladder polyps can be divided into the following categories:

2. Common symptoms of gallbladder polyps

Most patients with gallbladder polyps have no obvious symptoms and are often discovered incidentally during physical examination. Some patients may experience the following symptoms:

1. Dull pain or discomfort in the right upper abdomen
2. Abdominal bloating after meals
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Indigestion
5. Jaundice (rare)

3. Risk factors for gallbladder polyps

4. Treatment options for gallbladder polyps

Treatment options vary depending on the size, morphological characteristics of the polyp, and the patient's specific condition:

1. Observation and follow-up
For asymptomatic polyps less than 10mm in diameter, regular review is recommended:
- Review ultrasound every 6 months
- Observe changes in polyp size

2. Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is recommended in the following situations:
- Polyp diameter ≥10mm
- Combined gallbladder stones
- Rapid enlargement of polyps
- accompanied by obvious symptoms
- Imaging examination suspected malignant transformation

5. Preventive measures for gallbladder polyps

Although the exact cause of gallbladder polyps is unknown, your risk can be reduced by:

1. Maintain a healthy diet: low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
2. Control weight: avoid obesity
3. Regular exercise: at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
4. Regular physical examination: abdominal ultrasound examination once a year
5. Avoid long-term use of certain drugs: such as estrogen drugs

6. Answers to frequently asked questions by patients

Q: Can gallbladder polyps become cancerous?
A: Most gallbladder polyps are benign, but adenomatous polyps may become malignant, especially those with a diameter of more than 1 cm.

Q: Do gallbladder polyps need to be treated with medication?
A: Currently, there is no specific drug that can eliminate gallbladder polyps. Drug treatment mainly targets symptoms and complications.

Q: Will digestive function be affected after cholecystectomy?
A: Fat digestion and absorption may occur in the short term after cholecystectomy, but most patients' bodies will gradually adapt after 3-6 months.

7. Latest research progress

According to recent medical research, the diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder polyps have the following new developments:

1. Ultrasound imaging technology improves the accuracy of differential diagnosis
2. Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis system is under development
3. Minimally invasive surgical techniques continue to improve and postoperative recovery time is shortened
4. Targeted drug therapy is in clinical trials

Conclusion

Although gallbladder polyps are common, in most cases they are nothing to worry about. The key is to follow up regularly and closely observe the changes in polyps. If danger signs appear, seek medical attention promptly. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the development of gallbladder disease. If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor to develop a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan.