Gallbladder polyp

3 things to know first

1. Most gallbladder polyps are benign. The majority are cholesterol polyps and do not turn into cancer.
2. Size is the most important detail. Polyps smaller than 6 mm are usually low risk; larger polyps need closer attention.
3. It is often found by accident. Gallbladder polyps are commonly discovered during an ultrasound done for another reason.

What it is

A gallbladder polyp is a small growth that sticks out from the inner wall of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ under the liver that stores bile.

There are different types of polyps. The most common are cholesterol polyps, which are made of fatty material and are benign. Less commonly, polyps can be adenomas or other growths that carry a small risk of cancer, especially when larger.

Why it appears on your report

Polyps are usually seen on abdominal ultrasound. The radiologist measures the polyp and describes its features, such as size, number, and whether it is attached by a stalk. These details help decide whether it needs follow-up or treatment.

How serious is it

The risk depends mainly on size and individual factors:

• Under 6 mm: Usually considered very low risk. Often no follow-up is needed unless you have risk factors.
• 6–9 mm: May be followed with repeat ultrasound, especially if you are older than 50, have primary sclerosing cholangitis, or the polyp looks suspicious.
• 10 mm or larger: Often referred to a specialist because the risk of cancer or pre-cancer is higher.
• Growing polyps: A polyp that grows over time may also need closer evaluation.

These thresholds are guidelines. Your doctor will consider your age, symptoms, and medical history.

When to seek care urgently

Gallbladder polyps themselves rarely cause emergencies. Seek urgent care if you have:

• Severe, steady pain in the upper right abdomen, especially with fever
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Persistent vomiting
• Dark urine with pale stools

These can be signs of gallbladder inflammation, bile duct blockage, or another serious problem.

What usually happens next

1. Confirm the finding. The polyp size may be rechecked on ultrasound, sometimes by a different operator or using a higher-resolution scan.
2. Assess risk factors. Your doctor will ask about your age, symptoms, gallstones, and conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis.
3. Plan follow-up or referral. Small polyps are often monitored with periodic ultrasound. Larger or suspicious polyps may be referred to a surgeon.
4. Consider surgery if needed. Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) may be recommended for polyps 10 mm or larger, rapidly growing polyps, or those with other concerning features.

A simple analogy

Think of the gallbladder wall as the inside of a bathtub. A polyp is like a small bump on the bathtub surface. Most bumps are just soap residue and harmless; larger or oddly shaped bumps may need a closer look to make sure they are not something more serious.

Further reading

• NHS — Gallbladder cancer
• Mayo Clinic — Gallbladder polyps