Polyps in the gallbladder: causes. Polyps in the gallbladder how dangerous?

Among the many diseases of the digestive tract, as well as the liver and biliary tract, a special place is occupied by the polyp of the gallbladder. The treatment methods (surgery), symptoms and causes of this disease are somewhat different from those that are used, for example, with stones in this organ. In our article, we will try to convey to readers information about what causes polyps in the gallbladder and what consequences the ailment can entail if it is not treated.

What are gall bladder polyps

Polyps in the gallbladder are benign formations that consist mainly of cells of the internal epithelial layer of an organ. These neoplasms can be single and multiple. In the event that 5 polyps are detected during the examination, we can talk about a disease such as polyposis of the gallbladder. Polyps in the gallbladder, the number of which is from 1 to 3 pieces, are considered single. The method of getting rid of the disease depends on how many neoplasms are found in the organ.

A polyp on the gallbladder mucosa looks like a part of it, with the only difference being that its surface is convex. Very often, he has a thin “leg” that connects his body with the mucous membrane of the organ.

What are polyps in the gallbladder

Due to the fact that today a well-developed system for the diagnosis and subsequent study of biological materials obtained, work is being carried out in almost all clinics on such a problem as the classification of polyps. Such benign neoplasms, such as polyps in the gallbladder, the causes of which will be described later, are divided into the following types:

1. Cholesterol - are formed with the deposition in the body of a polyp of cholesterol. This species is the only one that can be treated with drugs.
2. Papilloma of the walls of the gallbladder - refers to benign neoplasms. It provokes the development of this type of human papillomavirus.
3. Adenomatous, related to benign neoplasms. A feature of this type of polyps is that they grow not from the epithelium, but from the glandular tissue.
4. Inflammatory, different from other types of processes of inflammation of the inner shells of the neoplasm that constantly occur in them, which provokes pathological growth of granulation tissue.

The first thing that a specialist will find out after he finds polyps in the gall bladder is species. Diagnosis, treatment and nutrition are very closely related to each other. After all, it is very important to use all means in order to get as much information as possible about the disease, prescribe the right treatment, and also prevent the further development of the disease with the help of a properly selected diet.

Causes of polyps

To date, there is no consensus on why a person develops polyps in the gall bladder. The causes of this phenomenon can be varied. As a rule, most often those who were diagnosed with polyposis had at least one person among their relatives who suffered from the same disease. All this, naturally, prompted scientists to think that there is a special gene that is responsible for the ability of the mucous membranes of the gallbladder to form polyps and other neoplasms.

There is another important factor. The experts associate the causes of this formation with the ongoing inflammatory processes in the organ. The fact is that this phenomenon provokes a change in the volume of the gallbladder, as a result of which bile congestion is observed in patients. This process in itself is capable of causing a change in the integrity of the mucosa, not to mention the formation of polyps.

Experts note another trend: in 80% of all reported cases, the disease was diagnosed in women. This led to the conclusion that the development of the polyp is affected by the female hormone estrogen.

How can polyps be suspected

As a rule, a disease such as a polyp of the gallbladder, the causes of which are often associated with inflammatory processes in the organ, does not manifest itself for a long time. There are also no specific signs of the development of neoplasms, however, a patient against the background of chronic cholecystitis and dyskinesia may have sharp, pulling, or cutting pains in the right upper abdomen. Most often, such uncomfortable sensations worsen after eating. This happens for the following reason: a polyp located inside the duct or on the mucosa in the immediate vicinity of its mouth can interfere with the passage of bile.

If the patient systematically eats fatty and heavy foods, symptoms such as nausea, bloating, sour belching, bitterness in the mouth, weight loss due to normal appetite, and constipation may appear. In addition, yellowing of the skin and sclera may be observed.

Having suspected polyps in the gallbladder, the causes, symptoms and treatment of which resemble cholecystitis and other similar diseases, it is important for the specialist to establish the true state of affairs as quickly as possible, because with a probability of about 40%, a benign neoplasm can turn into a malignant tumor.

Diagnostic methods used for suspected polyps in the gallbladder

At the initial stage of the examination, associated with complaints of patients about discomfort in the right hypochondrium, the collection of anamnesis plays a significant role. However, this method cannot fully confirm or deny the presence of a disease such as polyps in the gallbladder. Symptoms, causes, treatment and diet can be established and determined with high accuracy only after more in-depth diagnostic measures, which include:

• Examination with ultrasound, during which round shapes can be detected in the cavity of the gallbladder that fit snugly against its wall. With a change in the position of the patient's body, such neoplasms do not shift, in contrast to calculi.
• Endoscopic endosonography, with the help of which the structural structure of a benign neoplasm and the place of its localization are determined.
• Magnetic resonance cholangiography - in addition to the position of the polyp and its structure, it helps to identify other pathologies of the mucous membrane of the gallbladder, as well as its ducts.
• Computed tomography makes it possible to determine with a high degree of accuracy the presence of volume formations in the gallbladder and liver, as well as to establish their stage of development and the likelihood of a transition from a benign stage to a malignant one.

How to treat gallbladder polyps

Immediately after detecting and making an accurate diagnosis, conservative treatment is performed. In the presence of cholesterol neoplasms in most cases, it is enough to adjust the patient's nutrition, as well as prescribe a number of medications. Other types of polyps in the gallbladder, the sizes of which do not exceed 10 mm in diameter, are observed for about two years. In this case, the patient should be regularly examined using an ultrasound machine, an MRI, or a computed tomography scanner. In the absence of intensive growth and pain, polyps may not undergo surgical removal.

If the patient is diagnosed with inflammatory polyps in the gallbladder, a course of special therapy is first carried out, the effect of which is aimed only at relieving inflammation. As a result of such treatment, polyps can disappear on their own or significantly decrease in size.

Indications for surgery

In some cases, a patient diagnosed with gallbladder polyps is immediately referred for surgery. We will find out when surgical excision of the gallbladder affected by polyposis is indicated:

1. With intensive growth of the neoplasm, in which the increase reaches 2 mm per month;
2. In the presence of many polyps in the patient's gall bladder;
3. If the size of the formation, even single, is more than 10 mm;
4. If polyps in the gallbladder constantly cause pain in the patient;
5. If there are other neoplasms in the gallbladder in addition to polyps, for example, stones;
6. The presence of a neoplasm of a pronounced leg with many vessels in it;
7. If the patient has relatives who have suffered or are suffering from cancer.

Is it possible to do without surgery?

In some cases, the treatment of polyps in the gallbladder, the causes of which are based on malnutrition and inflammation of the organ mucous membrane caused by this factor, helps with a special diet and drug therapy. If neoplasms do not tend to grow, surgery may not be necessary until the situation changes.

Nutrition for polyps in the gallbladder

The connection of the gallbladder with the digestive system affects the ability to restore it if the menu is adjusted. Regardless of whether or not the operation was performed, patients are recommended to exclude the following products from the diet:

• sorrel;
• legumes;
• fat meat;
• spicy vegetables such as garlic and radish;
• canned vegetables, meat and fish, as well as pickles.

The products subject to restriction are those containing a large amount of fiber, essential oils and cholesterol. The diet for polyps in the gallbladder should consist mainly of boiled or steamed products: vegetables, meat and fish. In addition, it is important to include cottage cheese, compotes from fresh or dried fruits, jelly and mashed vegetables in the diet.

What is the disease dangerous?

Very often, patients do not even suspect how dangerous polyps in the gallbladder are. Meanwhile, even in the absence of indications for surgery, this disease affects the body is not the best way. Firstly, neoplasms can themselves cause inflammation of the mucosa due to insufficient outflow of bile from the organ, as a result of which its walls undergo irreversible pathological changes. Secondly, a constant increase in bilirubin in the blood caused by stagnation of bile can cause toxic damage to the brain. And thirdly, polyps can malign, that is, transform into a cancerous tumor. All these risks can be significantly reduced if you see a doctor on time and be treated in accordance with his recommendations.