Most gallbladder polyps are found by chance and produce no symptoms at all, especially when smaller than 6 mm. When complaints do occur they are usually caused by the polyp obstructing the cystic duct, by associated gallstones, or by detachment of cholesterol fragments that behave like microliths.

1. Episodic right-upper-quadrant pain
   A dull or colicky ache begins 30–60 min after a fatty meal, may last several hours and can radiate to the right scapula—mimicking classic biliary colic.
2. Nausea and occasional vomiting
   Gastric stasis and bile-duct spasm produce queasiness; vomiting may relieve the discomfort.
3. Dyspepsia and bloating
   Patients report early satiety, eructation, or vague upper-abdominal heaviness unrelated to meals.
4. Jaundice (rare)
   A large polyp that prolapses into the common bile duct can cause conjugated hyper-bilirubinaemia with dark urine and pale stools.
5. Acute cholecystitis picture
   Continuous pain, local tenderness, low-grade fever and leukocytosis develop if the polyp blocks the cystic neck and precipitates inflammation.
6. Pancreatitis or hemobilia (very rare)
   Transient obstruction of the pancreatic duct or bleeding from a friable polyp can produce epigastric pain radiating to the back or melena.

Because symptoms overlap with gallstone disease, any new biliary-type pain in a patient known to carry polyps should prompt repeat imaging to look for growth or co-existing stones.