Gallbladder polyps grow inside the gallbladder, where they often protrude from the interior lining. They are masses of tissue that vary in size, ranging from tiny to one centimeter in diameter or larger. Gallbladder polyps are usually diagnosed in approximately 1 patient in 25 who visits their doctor complaining of gallbladder trouble.

At this time, it’s not known exactly why gallbladder polyps occur. However, those who are fifty years of age or more, or already have gallstones, are more likely to have gallbladder polyps than other people.

Five different gallbladder polyp types have been categorized.

* Cholesterosis – This type appears more often than any other kind in those who have gallbladder problems. These are partially formed by cholesterol.

* Adenocarcinoma – This is a type of gallbladder cancer.

There are three other types, but they are relatively rare. They are called hyperplastic, adenomyomatosis, and cholecystosis.
 
Many people who have polyps aren’t even aware of it because gallbladder polyp symptoms rarely make themselves known. One symptom that occasionally appears is discomfort in the upper right abdomen. It may be constant, or it may come and go. Severe pain is not usually a symptom of gallbladder polyps. Severe pain is more often caused by gallstones.

More often than not, polyps are discovered because your doctor is diagnosing other gallbladder problem symptoms.  They can be seen in a simple ultrasound test.

When polyps are detected, follow up tests will be needed to determine if they’re malignant.

Gallbladder polyp management or treatment usually isn’t needed. But in cases where gallbladder polyp pain has become bothersome, your doctor may recommend surgery. In such cases, gallbladder removal surgery is usually done, especially if gallstones have also been detected. Cholecystectomy is the name medical professionals use for gallbladder removal surgery. A cholecystectomy is often the best way to prevent future gallbladder problems once they begin to appear. Your gallbladder is not a critical organ, so it can be removed without danger. The liver “takes over” many gallbladder functions once the gallbladder has been removed.

As was previously mentioned, the most common kind of gallbladder polyp is the cholesterosis type, which is partially made up of cholesterol. Excess cholesterol causes many different kinds of gallbladder trouble. To avoid problems with your gallbladder, you should eat a low cholesterol diet that features a variety of cholesterol free foods.  

You can improve your chances of preventing gallbladder polyps and other gallbladder problems by following these additional guidelines:

* limit how much red meat you eat and eliminate fried foods as much as possible
* use olive oil and vinegar on salads. Many commercial salad dressings contain unhealthy sugar and 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.

If you’re already troubled by gallbladder polyps or other gallbladder problems, you can avoid aggravating them by

* stay away from carbonated drinks
* avoid high fat dairy products in favor of lower fat types in recipes and meals
* look for lean meat when shopping; cut off excess fat before cooking.
* ask your doctor about fish oil capsules. These contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the amount of cholesterol formation in bile..
* find ways to add tumeric and ginger to your recipes and meals. Both of these are useful for maintaining a healthy gallbladder..

As you might expect, food that is good for your gallbladder is also good for your heart. So make sure to include a lot of fruits, vegetables and grains in your daily meals.

To learn more about cancer and gallbladder polyps, click on gallbladder polyps Also click on gallbladder removal surgery. Neal Kennedy is a former TV and radio talk show host. To read more of his articles, click on Gallbladder Health.