Is A Gallbladder Polyp Dangerous? Causes, Risks, Prevention
A gallbladder polyp is a piece of tissue that grows on the inside wall of the gallbladder, usually protruding from the interior lining. They may be tiny, but they sometimes grow to one centimeter in diameter or larger. Approximately one in twenty-five patients are found to have gallbladder polyps when they visit their doctor for gallbladder problems.
At this time, it’s not known exactly why gallbladder polyps occur. But it has been proven by research that someone who is older than 50, or already has gallstones, has a higher chance of having gallbladder polyps.
Five different gallbladder polyp types have been categorized.
* Cholesterosis – Of the five gallbladder polyp types, this is the most common. It is partially formed by cholesterol.
* Adenocarcinoma – This type is actually a form of gallbladder cancer, and is therefore dangerous.
Three other types appear infrequently: hyperplastic, adenomyomatosis, and cholecystosis.
Gallbladder polyp symptoms are practically non-existent. 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. 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.
When the ultrasound test shows evidence of polyps, your doctor will schedule more tests to determine if they are cancerous.
Gallbladder polyp management or treatment is usually unnecessary. Gallbladder polyp surgery usually means removing the entire gallbladder, and is typically done only when the patient is experiencing a distressing level of pain. Cholecystectomy is the name medical professionals use for gallbladder removal surgery. 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 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.
You can improve your chances of preventing gallbladder polyps and other gallbladder problems by following these additional guidelines:
* eat red meat sparingly and avoid fried foods – especially deep fried foods
* choose vinegar and olive oil over most other salad dressings
* avoid rich, fatty foods and big meals just before you go to bed
* 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 already have gallbladder polyps or other problems, you can limit pain and discomfort by
* avoid carbonated drinks
* limit your use of higher fat dairy products in meals and recipes
* shop for leaner cuts of meat 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..
* add ginger and tumeric to meals where you can: these are both good for gallbladder health.
Finally, keep in mind that a diet that’s good for your gallbladder is also good for your heart and your health in general. That means lots of fruits, vegetables and grains.
To learn more about cancer and gallbladder polyps, click on gallbladder polyp dangers. Also click on removing the gallbladder for more information about gallbladder removal surgery. Neal Kennedy is a former radio and television journalist. You can read more of his articles by clicking on Gallbladder Health.
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