Gallbladder Cancer & Polyps

Gallbladder polyps are small growths on the inside of the gallbladder wall that are often found incidentally on ultrasound. The vast majority are harmless. Polyps that are larger than 10mm, are growing, or occur alongside gallstones or other risk factors carry a small risk of cancer and removal of the gallbladder is usually recommended. Smaller polyps can be monitored with regular ultrasound.

Gallbladder cancer is uncommon. It is sometimes discovered unexpectedly after a routine cholecystectomy, or may be diagnosed on imaging. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and may involve a radical cholecystectomy, in which part of the adjacent liver and nearby lymph nodes are removed, followed by chemotherapy. All gallbladder cancers are discussed at our multidisciplinary team meeting.

Most gallbladder operations are performed laparoscopically through four small incisions and take around an hour, with many patients going home the same or next day. When cancer is suspected or confirmed, a more extensive open operation may be required so that the tumour can be removed with a margin of healthy tissue and the lymph nodes can be assessed. Your surgeon will explain which approach is recommended and why.

For gallstones and other benign gallbladder problems, please see our Gallbladder Surgery page under Non-Cancer Surgery.

Recovery after keyhole gallbladder surgery is usually quick, with a return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Recovery after a radical operation for cancer takes longer, typically several weeks, and is supported by the hospital pain and allied health teams. Follow-up includes review of the pathology results, and for cancer, surveillance scans arranged together with your medical oncologist.