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What Is The Difference Between Gallstones And Polyps In Gallbladder Ultrasound Test?

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Posted on Tue, 10 May 2016
Question: How hard is it to tell the difference between gallstones and polyps in gallbladder ultra sound. I just had my gallbladder taken out due to a slow growing polyp but I was told after the gallbladder removal they were actually small stones. There fore thr gallbladder taken out when it was not needed. Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It is quite possible to mistake them as they can look similar

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. A polyp in the gall bladder (GB) is viewed as an elevated lesion in the mucosal wall of the GB, its size is measured and then a decision is taken on whether or not surgery is required.

It can be mistaken for a GB stone mainly because the stone would also rest against the mucosal wall of the GB, but for this reason a repeat ultrasound is advised in most cases in a week or so to view the GB again. This repeat ultrasound will report whether or not the lesion seen previously is in the same place (if it is, then it is a polyp) or not (stones move easily). For this reason, the follow-up ultrasound is very important. But otherwise, it is quite possible to mistake a stone with a polyp sir.

I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Is The Difference Between Gallstones And Polyps In Gallbladder Ultrasound Test?

Brief Answer: It is quite possible to mistake them as they can look similar Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. A polyp in the gall bladder (GB) is viewed as an elevated lesion in the mucosal wall of the GB, its size is measured and then a decision is taken on whether or not surgery is required. It can be mistaken for a GB stone mainly because the stone would also rest against the mucosal wall of the GB, but for this reason a repeat ultrasound is advised in most cases in a week or so to view the GB again. This repeat ultrasound will report whether or not the lesion seen previously is in the same place (if it is, then it is a polyp) or not (stones move easily). For this reason, the follow-up ultrasound is very important. But otherwise, it is quite possible to mistake a stone with a polyp sir. I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help. Best wishes.