Benign vs malignant features of gallbladder polyps

Changed by Daniel J Bell, 26 Oct 2017

Updates to Article Attributes

Title was changed:
Benign vs. malignant features of gallbladder polyps
Body was changed:

In most instances predicting histology of a gallbladder polyp based purely on imaging is not possible. A number of features are however helpful in helping to decide management of a polypoid lesion of the gallbladder.

Benign features

  • size
    • polyps that are less than 5 mm in size are almost always cholesterol polyps 1
    • 5-10 mm polyps may warrant follow-up to ensure no interval growth 1
  • morphology
    • pedunculated
  • number
    • >50% of cholesterol polyps are multiple 3
  • growth
    • stable size
  • CT/MRI enhancement
    • similar to the rest of the gallbladder wall
  • US features

Malignant features

  • size
    • greater than 10 mm: 37-88% are malignant 4
  • morphology
    • sessile 1-2
  • number
    • solitary lesion 2
  • growth
    • interval increase in size 1-2
  • CT/MRI enhancement
    • greater than the normal gallbladder wall 1-2
  • -<a href="/articles/comet-tail-artefact">comet tail artefact</a> (cholesterol polyp)</li>
  • +<a href="/articles/comet-tail-artifact-3">comet tail artefact</a> (cholesterol polyp)</li>

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