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Original poster

Gallbladder polyp

38 replies

ByLovingGuide · 09/02/2025 12:27

Hi has anyone had a 3.1mm gallbladder polyp?
I went for a scan for my liver because I had oc in my pregnancy and my levels were are still raised. My liver is fine they found incidentally a polyp that’s 3.1mm and want to keep an eye on it. Want to scan me 3 more times every 6 months. I’m feeling very anxious anyone been in my position and how did it turn out for you?

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Munchyseeds2 · 26/04/2025 10:25

Just relax....go for the scans
My DH had one found on a scan for something else years ago
They kept an eye on it for a bit then discharged
It's really nothing to stress about

wordleinthemorning · 26/04/2025 10:03

Deedoo · 07/04/2025 15:33

@wordleinthemorning did anything come of it?

I saw a consultant who said my issues were IBS related. The symptoms come and go every few months

Deedoo · 07/04/2025 15:34

@ByLovingGuide you need to remove fat from diet and excess foods causing wind bloating etc it's hard

Deedoo · 07/04/2025 15:33

@wordleinthemorning did anything come of it?

wordleinthemorning · 16/02/2025 18:49

Following your thread!

I've had a polyp in mine for 25+ years. Had the odd ache every now and then but in the last few years especially the last year I've developed symptoms.

Mine measures 5mm (or it did last year at my last scan) I have an appointment with consultant in just over a week.

I have stabbing pains after eating, horrific excessive wind, bloating, and fullness in my stomach. I've also started needing a BM after eating and my bowel habits have changed.

Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 11/02/2025 13:57

Has anyone gone back to find there polyp has shrunk or disappeared? If so was it lifestyle changes that helped??

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Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 14:44

welshweasel · 10/02/2025 14:37

The majority of polyps are asymptomatic - if you start getting symptoms of pain then that would be a reason to take the gallbladder out but it's uncommon.

You are having follow up scans to see if the polyp grows, that's the whole point!

I hope it doesn’t grow 🫣 thanks for reassurance anyway. I think what I was trying to get at was a little comfort to know if I don’t get any symptoms until next scan that would be a good sign. But like you said asymptomatic. Can they shrink do you know I read they do but is it often?

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welshweasel · 10/02/2025 14:37

The majority of polyps are asymptomatic - if you start getting symptoms of pain then that would be a reason to take the gallbladder out but it's uncommon.

You are having follow up scans to see if the polyp grows, that's the whole point!

Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 14:33

ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 14:31

Oh ok thank you that’s reassuring. Which hospital do you work for? What’s your name? You can message privately if you like.

Show quote history

if my polyp was getting bigger would I know about it? As in symptoms wise?

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Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 14:31

welshweasel · 10/02/2025 13:05

@ByLovingGuide I'm a surgeon, and I see loads of people in your position. Never seen a polyp turn bad yet!

A 3mm polyp is tiny, and most patients wouldn't require any follow up at all, as the risk is so minimal.

Oh ok thank you that’s reassuring. Which hospital do you work for? What’s your name? You can message privately if you like.

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welshweasel · 10/02/2025 13:05

@ByLovingGuide I'm a surgeon, and I see loads of people in your position. Never seen a polyp turn bad yet!

A 3mm polyp is tiny, and most patients wouldn't require any follow up at all, as the risk is so minimal.

Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 12:53

welshweasel · 10/02/2025 12:46

If you're interested then these are the guidelines we use (just look at the chart Figure 1)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34918177/

Thank you

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Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 12:50

welshweasel · 10/02/2025 12:45

Gallbladder polyps are very common and rarely need anything doing. If less than 5mm, we only do follow up scans if you have other risk factors (age, ethnicity etc) then you get 3 scans and then discharged if no growth. Generally we offer surgery if over 1cm. Your gallbladder is a useful organ, don't have it removed unnecessarily. If I was in your position I would not be at all concerned, try not to worry!

Ok are you a sonographer? Sorry it’s just because you say we?
thanks for your input. How can you tell if it is sinister will I get symptoms if my polyp grew?

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Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 12:46

Notonthestairs · 09/02/2025 16:26

Yes, I have a polyp and some sludge in my gallbladder. Discovered 2020. Been scanned 3x and no change in size of polyp so they didn't think it was a problem.
However I've had some more issues recently which I think are related to my gallbladder so I'm going back to the doctors.
Not sure whether that is helpful or not!

awww ok. Hope everything is ok for you. What symptoms are you getting?

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welshweasel · 10/02/2025 12:46

If you're interested then these are the guidelines we use (just look at the chart Figure 1)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34918177/

welshweasel · 10/02/2025 12:45

Gallbladder polyps are very common and rarely need anything doing. If less than 5mm, we only do follow up scans if you have other risk factors (age, ethnicity etc) then you get 3 scans and then discharged if no growth. Generally we offer surgery if over 1cm. Your gallbladder is a useful organ, don't have it removed unnecessarily. If I was in your position I would not be at all concerned, try not to worry!

Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 12:43

LonelyMom123 · 10/02/2025 12:33

No idea, just copied/pasted what it says in the notes on the nhs app following my last ultrasound.

Did they say that your polyp was harmless? It’s just I wish I could somehow know if mine is?
do you know how I could or anywhere that can do that.
it’s horrible to know you have to be scanned for a period of time it’s the unknown for me that is bugging me.

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LonelyMom123 · 10/02/2025 12:33

No idea, just copied/pasted what it says in the notes on the nhs app following my last ultrasound.

Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 10/02/2025 12:31

LonelyMom123 · 09/02/2025 18:12

I had them regularly for a few years then they stopped recalling me for some reason, but had them again for the last couple of years and no real change. These are the notes on the NHS app from my last scan:

Within the gallbladder there are at least two hyperechoic foci measuring
approximately 4mm and 7mm, appearances are in keeping with the
previously reported gallbladder polyps. Please repeat the scan in 12
months to check for increase in size. No obvious gallstones
visualised.

Show quote history

How did they know it’s a hyperechoic polyp?

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Caerulea · 09/02/2025 20:09

I had a polyp found on a scan during covid that was meant to be followed up but of course nothing happened. Another US last year showed no polyp but a gallbladder full of stones. I asked the surgeon (pre-op thing) about the mysterious polyp & he said these things get misdiagnosed if there is sludge in there. They look for a shadow (?) or clearance beneath the Thing & that can determine between stones & polyps but sludge can prevent that from happening accurately on an US.

So either you've a small polyp which they'll watch & whip out the whole thing before it's an issue, or you've got a stone and sludge which they might whip out if it becomes an issue.

I guess, if you can pay, then private might just whip out anyway? Not actually sure.

LonelyMom123 · 09/02/2025 20:00

I had a bit of pain under my ribs on my right size so asked about a scan and they've put me back on annual ultrasounds.

Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 09/02/2025 19:54

LonelyMom123 · 09/02/2025 18:12

I had them regularly for a few years then they stopped recalling me for some reason, but had them again for the last couple of years and no real change. These are the notes on the NHS app from my last scan:

Within the gallbladder there are at least two hyperechoic foci measuring
approximately 4mm and 7mm, appearances are in keeping with the
previously reported gallbladder polyps. Please repeat the scan in 12
months to check for increase in size. No obvious gallstones
visualised.

Show quote history

Oh ok how did you get a scan for your gallbladder was you getting symptoms?

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LonelyMom123 · 09/02/2025 18:12

ByLovingGuide · 09/02/2025 17:24

Have you had an ultrasound every year now so far 15 years?

Show quote history

I had them regularly for a few years then they stopped recalling me for some reason, but had them again for the last couple of years and no real change. These are the notes on the NHS app from my last scan:

Within the gallbladder there are at least two hyperechoic foci measuring
approximately 4mm and 7mm, appearances are in keeping with the
previously reported gallbladder polyps. Please repeat the scan in 12
months to check for increase in size. No obvious gallstones
visualised.

Emmadaily · 09/02/2025 17:55

Hi O P
I think it's good they are keeping a close eye on you and regular scans in the future
Obviously any changes or you develop any new symptons the medical team will be right on it
Hope all goes well for you and you don't worry too much about it
X

Original poster
ByLovingGuide · 09/02/2025 17:39

Notonthestairs · 09/02/2025 17:25

"How big was yours?"

Sorry I can't remember. They thought it was the source of the pain in my gallbladder (something catching on it). I've gone 4 + years without any trouble.
I've got a GP appointment in 10 days - I'll check.

Ok 👍

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