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Gallbladder Polyps: How Dangerous Are They? Causes, Risks, Treatments

26th November, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

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. Approximately one in twenty-five patients are found to have gallbladder polyps when they visit their doctor for gallbladder problems.

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.

There are five kinds of gallbladder polyps.

* Cholesterosis – This is the most common. This type is partially formed from cholesterol.

* Adenocarcinoma – This type is actually a form of gallbladder cancer, and is therefore dangerous.

The other three types are known as hyperplastic, adenomyomatosis, and cholecystosis.

Most people who have this disorder don’t even know it because gallbladder polyp symptoms are rare. However, sometimes those with gallbladder polyps will feel discomfort or tenderness in the upper right abdomen. This pain may be intermittent, or may be steady. Severe pain is not usually a symptom of gallbladder polyps. Severe pain is more often caused by gallstones.

Polyps can be detected using gallbladder polyp ultrasound tests, but these are typically only done when there are other symptoms of gallbladder trouble.

If gallbladder polyps are discovered, more tests will be needed to find out if they’re malignant (cancerous).

Generally speaking, there’s no need for gallbladder polyp treatment or management. 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. Gallbladder removal surgery is also called a cholecystectomy. You do not need your gallbladder to live, so sometimes a cholecystectomy is the best way to prevent future gallbladder trouble. Your liver can handle the digestive functions that are usually done by the gallbladder.

Once again, cholesterosis is the most common type of gallbladder polyp, and it is formed partially by cholesterol. To avoid gallbladder polyps (in fact to avoid most types of gallbladder problems), you should eat a low cholesterol diet that includes a lot of cholesterol free 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
* olive oil and vinegar are your best choices for salad dressing. Avoid dressings that contain a lot of sugar or unhealthy fats.
* 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.

To avoid more gallbladder health problems if you already have them

* avoid carbonated drinks
* avoid high fat dairy products in favor of lower fat types in recipes and meals
* 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 recipes that contain ginger and tumeric, which have been shown to be good for the gallbladder.

It will come as no surprise that food that’s good for your gallbladder is good for your heart too. So plan to include a lot of fruits, grains and vegetables in your meals.

To learn more about cancer and gallbladder polyps, click on gallbladder polyps. Also click on gallbladder removal and recovery for more information about gallbladder removal surgery. Neal Kennedy is a former radio and television talk show host. You can read more of his articles by clicking on Keeping Your Gallbladder Healthy.