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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?

OP posts:
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?

OP posts:
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

OP posts:
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 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.

OP posts:
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?

OP posts:
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 14:44

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?

OP posts:
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??

OP posts:
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.

Deedoo · 07/04/2025 15:33

@wordleinthemorning did anything come of it?

Deedoo · 07/04/2025 15:34

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

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

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

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