Gallbladder Polyps: Diagnosis & Treatment Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Gallbladder Gallbladder Polyps These small growths commonly found on the gallbladder are often made up of cholesterol — but they can also be cancerous. By Diana RodriguezMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH Reviewed: January 25, 2010 Medically Reviewed Gallbladder polyps are considered a fairly common condition. And while most of the time gallbladder polyps are nothing to be concerned about, some of them can be cancerous. Gallbladder Polyps: What Are They?The majority of gallbladder polyps are harmless — composed of cholesterol buildup, not cancer cells. But, gallbladder polyps may actually be small tumors — some of which may be cancerous while others are benign growths. These small growths can poke out from the inside of the Gallbladder polyps may not cause any symptoms at all. But they may cause Gallbladder Polyps: DiagnosisTo get a good look at the gallbladder, an Gallbladder Polyps: Treatment So if it's a harmless gallbladder polyp, what do you do about it? That's a question that's the subject of much research. The answer seems to have a lot to do with the size of the polyp and its likelihood of becoming cancerous. There are basically two options: Watch and wait, or undergo gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy). Very small polyps, those less than 1 centimeter (or less than 1.5 cm, according to some studies) may not need gallbladder removal surgery, and instead can be regularly monitored by scanning and re-evaluated for any suspicious changes that could indicate gallbladder cancer. Polyps larger than 1 centimeter in size are more likely to become cancerous, especially those that are 1.5 centimeter across and larger — they have a 46 to 70 percent chance of containing cancer cells.Monitoring for gallbladder polyps less than 1.5 centimeter should occur every three to six months for up to two years, after which it can be stopped if there have been no changes in the polyps. It isn't recommended that gallbladder polyps smaller than 0.5 centimeter across be treated by having the gallbladder removed. In gallbladder polyps that are that small, the NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Gallbladder Symptoms of a Gallbladder Problem You don’t typically spend much time thinking about your gallbladder. But knowing the signs that something’s amiss with it — from pain in certain ...By Diana RodriguezSeptember 30, 2022 Gallbladder Surgery: What to Expect Several different surgical procedures may be used to help treat your gallbladder disease.By Jennifer Acosta ScottSeptember 8, 2022 Gallbladder Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment People with gallstones are at greater risk of developing this rare form of cancer.By Diana RodriguezAugust 26, 2022 What Are Common Gallbladder Problems? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Quinn PhillipsOctober 1, 2020 The Link Between Gallbladder Problems and Diabetes If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have gallbladder problems — but there are ways to lower your risk.By Diane StresingMay 1, 2018 Gallstones and Other Gallbladder Problems Gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain — or you may have no symptoms at all.By Diana RodriguezApril 26, 2018 What Is Cholecystitis? Cholecystitis is a big word for the simple — but potentially painful — problem of gallbladder inflammation.By Diana RodriguezApril 20, 2018 The Link Between Gallstones, Obesity, and Weight Loss Obesity increases your chances of developing gallstones, but so do weight loss surgery and certain types of diets. Find out how to safely reduce your ...By Erica Ilton, RDN, CDNApril 20, 2018 Gallbladder Surgery Complications While serious complications are rare, it’s important to know what to look out for.By Quinn PhillipsApril 20, 2018 Your Diet After Gallbladder Removal After gallbladder surgery, digestion can be tricky for a while. Here's how to modify your diet.By Krisha McCoyApril 11, 2018 MORE IN Cancer Terms Explained Common Cancer Signs and Symptoms Causes of Pancreatic Cancer Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges