A gallbladder polyp is a tiny bump that grows from the inside wall of the gallbladder. Most are smaller than a pea and never cause trouble. Doctors often spot them by chance during an ultrasound ordered for something else. Yet a few can ache, swell, or even turn cancerous, so knowing the pattern helps you decide when to relax and when to ask for more tests.
The quiet majority
About eight out of ten polyps never whisper. A person eats, sleeps, and lifts weights without a clue. The scan report simply states, “small gallbladder polyp,” and life goes on. No pain, no fever, no yellow skin. The only task is a repeat picture in six to twelve months to be sure the bump stays the same size.
When the gallbladder starts to grumble
If a polyp blocks bile flow or sits near the bile duct, a dull ache appears beneath the ribs on the right side. The hurt can spread to the shoulder blade and tends to appear after greasy meals. Some folks feel bloated, as if they swallowed air. Others notice mild nausea or a sour taste that lingers. These signs mimic heartburn, so people often pop antacids and forget about it.
Warning flares that need attention
A sudden sharp cramp under the ribs, fever, or yellowing of the eyes suggests the polyp has irritated the gallbladder wall or even broken off and clogged the duct. Jaundice is rare but serious: the whites of the eyes turn lemon, urine looks like iced tea, and stools fade to clay. If any of these appear, same-day imaging is wise.
Size matters more than shape
Polyps under one centimeter are almost always harmless cholesterol blobs. Growths between one and two centimeters need closer watch. Anything above two centimeters carries a higher cancer risk, so surgeons usually recommend removing the gallbladder. The good news: most large polyps are still benign when caught early.
| Polyp size | Typical plan |
|---|---|
| Under 10 mm | Ultrasound every 6–12 months |
| 10–18 mm | Closer follow-up or surgery |
| Over 18 mm | Gallbladder removal advised |
Living with a watched polyp
No special diet is required, yet keeping meals moderate in fat can reduce gallbladder squeezing. Think grilled fish, rice, steamed veggies, and fruit. Coffee lovers can relax: two cups a day do not increase polyp growth and may even help the gallbladder empty more completely. Sugary sodas and rapid weight-loss pills are best avoided because they disturb bile chemistry.
When to act sooner
If pain wakes you at night, if fever pops up, or if the polyp grows more than two millimeters between scans, call your clinician. Laparoscopic removal is usually same-day surgery with a one-week recovery. Most folks return to desk jobs in three to five days and to the gym in four weeks.
Preventing new polyps
Stay active, keep cholesterol in check, and aim for slow, steady weight loss if needed. A thirty-minute brisk walk five times a week keeps bile from becoming too thick. Include nuts, olive oil, and oats in meals—they gently lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the chance of fresh cholesterol polyps forming.