Gallbladder polyps

Overview

A gallbladder polyp is a small growth that sticks out from the lining of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fat. Most gallbladder polyps are harmless and do not cause symptoms. They are often found by accident when you have an ultrasound for another reason.

Gallbladder polyps are not very common. They are found in about 5 out of 100 adults who have an ultrasound of their gallbladder.

Gallbladder polyps can affect people of any age, but they are more common in adults over 40. They occur slightly more often in men than in women.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Many people with gallbladder polyps have no symptoms at all.
• If symptoms do occur, they may include mild pain in the upper right side of the belly (abdomen) or between the shoulder blades.
• Some people feel nauseous or bloated after eating a fatty meal.

Symptoms in children

• Gallbladder polyps are rare in children. When they occur, symptoms are similar to adults – mild belly pain or no symptoms at all.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults are more likely to have larger polyps. They may experience vague belly discomfort or indigestion, but many still have no symptoms.

Causes

Main causes

• Cholesterol polyps – these are the most common type. They form when cholesterol builds up in the lining of the gallbladder.
• Inflammatory polyps – these are caused by long-term swelling (inflammation) of the gallbladder wall, often from gallstones or infection.
• Adenomyomatosis – this is not a true polyp but a thickening of the gallbladder wall that can look like one on imaging tests.
• Less commonly, a polyp may be a small growth of cells that could become cancerous over time.

Risk factors

• Having gallstones or a history of gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• High levels of cholesterol in the bile (often linked to high cholesterol in the blood).
• Being overweight or obese.
• Age over 40.
• Certain medical conditions, such as cirrhosis or fatty liver disease.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, severe belly pain that does not go away – go to the emergency room or call your local emergency number right away.
• If you have fever along with belly pain or you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild belly pain that keeps coming back, especially after meals.
• If you have been told you have a gallbladder polyp and you want to discuss follow-up care.
• If you have risk factors such as gallstones or high cholesterol and develop any new belly symptoms.

Diagnosis

Gallbladder polyps are most often found by chance during an ultrasound of the belly. If your doctor suspects a polyp, they will usually order an ultrasound to look at your gallbladder in more detail.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound of the abdomen (the most common test).
• CT scan (computerized tomography) – a special X-ray that gives detailed pictures of the gallbladder.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – may be used to see the polyp more clearly.
• Blood tests to check for signs of inflammation or problems with the liver or bile ducts.

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are painless and usually done as an outpatient (you go home the same day). An ultrasound involves a small handheld device moved over your belly. You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. The doctor will review the images and tell you if a polyp is present, how big it is, and whether it looks suspicious.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size of the polyp, whether it causes symptoms, and your overall health. Small polyps (less than 1 centimeter) are usually monitored with regular ultrasound scans. Larger polyps or those that cause symptoms may need to be removed. The only treatment to remove a polyp is surgery to take out the gallbladder.

Self-care at home

• Eat a healthy diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise.
• Avoid crash diets or very low-calorie diets, which can stress the gallbladder.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Medical treatments

There are no medications that can shrink or remove gallbladder polyps. If the polyp is small and does not cause problems, your doctor will likely recommend 'watchful waiting' – meaning you have repeat ultrasounds every 6 to 12 months to check for growth. If the polyp grows or causes symptoms, surgery may be advised.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery (cholecystectomy) to remove the gallbladder is usually recommended if the polyp is larger than 1 centimeter (0.4 inches), if it is growing, or if it causes symptoms such as pain or nausea. The surgery is often done using small incisions (laparoscopy) and most people go home the same day or the next day. After the gallbladder is removed, the body adapts and you can digest food normally, though some people may need to adjust their diet.

Living with this condition

If you have a small gallbladder polyp that does not need treatment, you can live a normal life. You may need to have a follow-up ultrasound once a year to check that the polyp has not grown. If you have had surgery to remove your gallbladder, you will need a few weeks to recover, but most people feel back to normal within a month.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow a low-fat diet to reduce the workload on your digestive system, especially if you have had your gallbladder removed.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.
• Limit fried foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy products.
• Stay active with regular exercise – this helps maintain a healthy weight and supports digestion.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fiber (like oats, beans, and vegetables) and low in saturated fat can help your digestive system work smoothly. Exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes most days, is good for overall health and can help with weight management.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being told you have a growth in your body can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious about the possibility of cancer, but remember that most gallbladder polyps are benign. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, talk to your healthcare provider. They can answer your questions and explain your risks clearly.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent gallbladder polyps because the exact cause is not always clear. However, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a low-fat diet, and managing conditions like high cholesterol may reduce your risk.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for gallbladder polyps is not recommended for the general public. If you have a family history of gallbladder cancer or certain genetic conditions, your doctor may suggest regular ultrasound scans to monitor your gallbladder.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a polyp grows large enough, it can block the opening of the gallbladder, causing pain and inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Very rarely, a polyp can change into a cancerous growth (gallbladder cancer). The risk is higher for polyps larger than 1 centimeter.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with gallbladder polyps is excellent. The vast majority are benign and never cause any trouble. Even if surgery is needed to remove the gallbladder, most people recover fully and live a healthy life without it. Remember, your healthcare team will monitor you closely and take action only if needed.

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