Gallbladder Polyp & Gallbladder Cancer: Which Size Is Dangerous?

(For Dr. Karan R Rawat – Best Gallbladder, Gastro & Laparoscopic Surgeon in Agra)

Gallbladder polyps are small growths inside the gallbladder. Most are harmless, but some can turn into gallbladder cancer, which is one of the most aggressive abdominal cancers if diagnosed late.

✅ Which Polyp Size Increases Cancer Risk?

🔴 High-Risk (Dangerous) Size: ≥ 10 mm

  • Polyps 10 mm (1 cm) or larger have the highest chance of being cancerous.

  • International guidelines recommend laparoscopic cholecystectomy for any polyp ≥ 10 mm.

🟠 Moderate Risk: 6–9 mm

  • Usually benign but need regular ultrasound follow-up every 6–12 months.

  • Surgery may be recommended if:

    • Patient is >50 years

    • Polyp is sessile (flat)

    • Polyp shows growth

    • Associated gallstones are present

🟢 Low Risk: <5 mm

  • Very low chance of cancer

  • No treatment required, only periodic check-up if high-risk factors exist

🧪 Features That Raise Cancer Suspicion (Even in Small Polyps)

  • Rapid increase in size

  • Single, sessile (broad-based) polyp

  • Age >50 years

  • Presence of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

  • Associated gallstones

  • Symptoms: pain, vomiting, dyspepsia, jaundice

Gallbladder Cancer & Polyps: The Connection

Gallbladder cancer often begins as:

  • Adenoma → carcinoma sequence
    (Just like colon cancer progression)

  • Larger polyps are more likely to be adenomas, which may become cancerous if untreated.

Studies show:

  • 1–2% cancer risk in polyps <10 mm

  • 10–20% cancer risk in polyps ≥10 mm

  • Risk rises sharply once polyp crosses 15–20 mm

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Dr. Karan R Rawat may advise gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) if:

  • Polyp ≥10 mm

  • Polyp grows by >2 mm per year

  • Patient is >50 years old

  • Sessile (flat) polyp

  • Polyp with gallstones

  • Polyp causing symptoms

  • Ultrasound cannot clearly differentiate polyp types

Why Early Treatment Matters

Gallbladder cancer:

  • Usually silent in early stages

  • Often detected late

  • Can spread to liver & lymph nodes rapidly

Early removal of high-risk polyps prevents cancer before it starts.