Gallbladder polyps: Can they be cancerous?

Gallbladder polyps are growths that protrude from the lining of the gallbladder. Polyps can be cancerous, but they rarely are.

The size of a gallbladder polyp can be a useful predictor of whether it's cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Gallbladder polyps that are smaller than 1 centimeter are usually noncancerous and require no treatment. However, your doctor may suggest follow-up examinations to look for changes in gallbladder polyps that may be an indication of cancer. This is typically done using ultrasound.

Gallbladder polyps that are larger than 1 centimeter are more likely to be cancerous. Treatment of larger gallbladder polyps may include surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Your doctor may also recommend cholecystectomy if you have a gallbladder polyp of any size accompanied with gallstones — a risk factor for gallbladder cancer.