Overview

The gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver, stores bile produced by the liver. When needed for digestion, it contracts, releasing bile into the small intestine. Bile aids in digesting fats and absorbing nutrients. Its intricate anatomy involves a neck, body, and fundus, interconnected by ducts for bile transport.

Gallbladder polyps are small, abnormal growths that protrude from the inner lining of the gallbladder. Most are benign, but some can develop into cancer over time. They are often discovered incidentally during medical imaging tests for other reasons. Regular monitoring and medical evaluation are essential to determine if the polyps require further investigation or treatment. Larger polyps or those with concerning features might necessitate removal to prevent potential complications.

Causes of Gallbladder Polyps

- Familial Polyposis- Also known as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, the condition is observed when growths are limited to the inner lining of the rectum of the colon. These growths can occur due to an unhealthy lifestyle and diet. These are among the primary reasons for growth in the gallbladder as well. It is a genetic health condition that passes from generation to generation. It leads to changes in the APC gene, causing the disorder. One in three people suffers from gallbladder disorder due to familial polyposis.
- Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome is a health condition in which polyps form in the inner lining of the intestines. These growths can be recognised by symptoms such as a bluish tinge on the lips, the inner lining of the mouth, or gums. It happens due to a mutation of the STK11 gene. This gene mutation can occur due to a family history of the problem, or it can also happen on its own. People suffering from the disorder can also experience polyps in the gallbladder, leading to a disturbed digestive system.
- Cholesterol Buildup- The most common type of gallbladder polyps, which form due to an accumulation of cholesterol deposits on the gallbladder's inner lining.
- Inflammation- Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, often associated with conditions such as gallstones or cholecystitis, can lead to the formation of polyps.
- Gallstones- Gallstones, which are hardened deposits in the gallbladder, can sometimes trigger the growth of polyps.
- Hepatitis B- Another possible cause of polyps in the gallbladder is chronic hepatitis B infection. The infection, when closely observed while performing a test, had led to certain changes in the functioning of the gallbladder. People suffering from hepatitis B are also at a higher risk of getting affected by Gallbladder Polyps.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Polyps

- Abdominal Pain- Sudden and intense abdominal pain is one of the prime gallbladder polyps symptoms. It happens due to a broken polyp sticking into the bile, blocking liquid flow from the duct. It can result in intense pain in the upper side of the abdomen, followed by fever and weakness if not treated at the right time.
- Jaundice- Another major symptom of gallbladder disorder is jaundice. The broken piece of polyp blocks the bile duct, restricting the liquid flow from the duct. It results in the form of multiple health issues, including jaundice. The problem can be identified from symptoms such as yellowing of eyes and skin, weakness, and a dull face.
- Vomiting- Vomiting is also one of the symptoms of the growth of polyps in the gallbladder. The affected individual feels sick and feverish and may also feel a sudden urge to puke. It makes the affected individual weak and tired most of the time. Constant health issues lead to weakness and fatigue if not treated correctly.
- Indigestion- Polyps could lead to indigestion or an uncomfortable feeling after eating, as they might interfere with normal gallbladder function.
- Bloating- Bloating or a feeling of fullness might occur due to impaired bile flow caused by polyps.

Treatment of Gallbladder Polyps

- Observation- Generally, polyps growth in the gallbladder does not irritate or damage the functioning of the digestive system. Still, it can become damaging if they grow in size or interrupt digestion. To keep a closer look at the polyps, a doctor may observe a patient to keep track of the polyps' growth and also understand other health issues caused by it. The procedure involves performing periodic ultrasound tests.
- Surgery- A surgery to remove the gallbladder is recommended only in case of high damage caused to the organ. The surgery helps in stopping the spread of infection to other parts. The surgery can be performed by opting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy or open cholecystectomy. Removal of the gallbladder does not disturb an individual's digestive system function. The surgery also lowers any other possible causes of cancer.
- Lifestyle Changes- Different lifestyle changes help lower the damaging symptoms of gallbladder disease. Healthy practices such as warm water enemas, consuming pear or pear juice, eating beetroot or having beetroot juice, external hot water packs, avoiding fried and junk foods, high intake of omega-3, avoiding dairy products, avoiding carbonated beverages, help to lower the side-effects of the gallbladder disorder. Clean eating helps slow down the disease's damaging symptoms and allows one to live a routine life easily.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Gallbladder Polyps are unusual growths in the inner lining of the gallbladder. These growths are usually non-cancerous but can also be cancerous if they are not treated at the right time. Several health issues, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice, indicate the disease. The disease can be treated with the help of surgery, lifestyle changes, or a simple observation.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/gastroenterology-treatments-and-procedures/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21821-gallbladder-polyps
- https://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-polyps
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326818