Expert: Curtis J. Edwards, MD, FACS - 2/26/2008

Question
I have had small polyps seen in the last couple of years on Ultra Sounds.  The last one shows that I now have a polyp that is 6mm.  What would be your recommendation on this finding?  I have made an appointment with a surgeon but am not sure what he will have to say.  I have been having pain on my right side for over a month and the doctor has tried to put me on pain medication but it doesn't seem to help.

Answer
I have not examined you or the patient in question, reviewed the medical record, associated laboratory studies, or imaging. What follows is offered to you for information purposes, only and does not constitute treatment.  I advise an examination from a qualified healthcare professional before undertaking any course of treatment.

In my practice of surgery, I recommend the removal of gallbladders with ultrasound finding of "gallbladder polyp."  My reasoning is as follows.  Ultrasound will often label soft gallstones as a polyp.  True polyps can also degenerate to cancer just like adenomatous polyps of the colon.  Gallbladder cancer is deadly.