Gallbladder Polyps Information: Causes, Dangers, Treatment, Prevention Tips
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. They are usually found in about four-to-five percent of individuals who report to their doctor that they’re experiencing gallbladder pain.
The exact reason why gallbladder polyps grow isn’t clear. However, those who are fifty years of age or more, or already have gallstones, are more likely to have gallbladder polyps than other people.
Five different gallbladder polyp types have been categorized.
* Cholesterosis – This type appears more often than any other kind in those who have gallbladder problems. These are partially formed by cholesterol.
* Adenocarcinoma – This is the type that’s cancerous.
The other three types are known as hyperplastic, adenomyomatosis, and cholecystosis.
Since gallbladder polyp symptoms are rare, most people who have them don’t even know it. However, they may cause some degree of tenderness in the abdomen. This discomfort occurs in the upper right of the abdomen, and may be steady or intermittent. Gallbladder polyp pain is rarely severe and constant. Such pain is more often a symptom of gallstones.
Polyps can be discovered during a simple ultrasound examination.
In cases where polyps are detected, your doctor will schedule a follow up to test for cancer.
Generally speaking, there’s no need for gallbladder polyp treatment or management. But in cases where gallbladder polyp pain has become bothersome, your doctor may recommend surgery. In such cases, gallbladder removal surgery is usually done, especially if gallstones have also been detected. “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.
Once again, cholesterosis is the most common type of gallbladder polyp, and it is formed partially by cholesterol. 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:
* eat fried foods as little as possible and reduce the amount of red meat you consume
* choose vinegar and olive oil over most other salad dressings
* stay away from high cholesterol, fatty foods and big meals just before bedtime
* If you’re on a weight loss program, make sure you shed pounds at a reasonable pace. Crash diets that cause sudden and rapid weight loss may hurt your gallbladder.
If you’re already troubled by gallbladder polyps or other gallbladder problems, you can avoid aggravating them by
* avoid carbonated drinks
* prefer low fat dairy products to higher fat varieties
* look for lean meat when shopping; cut off excess fat before cooking.
* discuss fish oil supplements with your doctor. Fish oil contains a beneficial type of fat that limits cholesterol formation..
* find ways to add tumeric and ginger to your recipes and meals. Both of these are useful for maintaining a healthy gallbladder..
As you might expect, food that is good for your gallbladder is also good for your heart. So make sure to include a lot of fruits, vegetables and grains in your daily meals.
To learn more about cancer and gallbladder polyps, click on gallbladder polyps and cancer. Also click on gallbladder removal for more information about gallbladder removal surgery. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio talk show host. You can read more of his articles by clicking on Keeping Your Gallbladder Healthy.
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