Gallbladder polyps are masses of tissue that grow in various sizes on the inside wall of the gallbladder. They may be extremely small, although some of the larger ones grow to one centimeter in diameter or larger. They often protrude from the interior lining. They are usually found in about four-to-five percent of individuals who report to their doctor that they’re experiencing gallbladder pain.
Doctors haven’t been able to determine why gallbladder polyps grow. However, research has shown that someone who has gallstones, or is more than 50 years of age, is more likely to have gallbladder polyps than most others.
Five different categories of gallbladder polyps have been categorized by the medical profession.
* Cholesterosis - This is the most common. This type is partially formed from cholesterol.
* Adenocarcinoma - This is a type of gallbladder cancer.
The other three types are known as 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. Severe pain is not usually a symptom of gallbladder polyps. Severe pain is more often caused by 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).
Gallbladder polyp management or treatment is usually unnecessary. 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 medical term for a gallbladder removal operation. You can live without a gallbladder, so if you’re starting to have gallbladder problems, removal may be the smartest way to prevent future trouble. Your liver is capable of handling many of the functions normally performed by the gallbladder.
As was previously mentioned, the most common gallbladder polyp (known as cholesterosis) is a combination of cholesterol and tissue. To prevent gallbladder problems in general and gallbladder polyp problems in particular, it’s important to eat a diet that includes a lot of cholesterol free or low cholesterol foods.
In addition, follow these guidelines to avoid gallbladder polyps and all other forms of gallbladder trouble:
* reduce your consumption of fried foods as much as possible and limit the amount of red meat in your diet
* be careful of salad dressings which contain a lot of unhealthy fats or sugars. Stick to olive oil and vinegar.
* refrain from eating big meals - especially fatty, cholesterol-rich foods - just before bedtime
* if you wish to lose weight, do so at a moderate pace. Doing too much too fast can be harmful to your gallbladder and the rest of your digestive system.
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 diary products
* when shopping for meat, choose lean cuts and remove visible fat before cooking..
* consider taking fish oil supplements. These contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the amount of cholesterol in bile. Check with your doctor..
* find ways to add tumeric and ginger to your recipes and meals. Both of these are useful for maintaining a healthy gallbladder..
And naturally, a diet that’s good for your gallbladder will benefit your heart too, so make sure your meals include a lot of fruits, vegetables and grains.
To learn more about cancer and gallbladder polyps, click on gallbladder polyps. Also click on gallbladder removal surgery for more information about gallbladder removal surgery. Neal Kennedy is a former radio and TV reporter. You can read more of his articles by clicking on Gallbladder Health.