Can Gallstones Become Cancerous?

There is a certain probability that gallstones will turn into cancer, but the risk is low and may only turn into gallbladder cancer in a few special cases. In order to reduce this risk, it is very important to treat gallstones in time, improve lifestyle, and have regular checkups. This article will discuss the causes of gallstones, risk factors for cancer, and prevention and treatment.

1. The relationship between gallstones and cancer

Gallstones are hardened particles of cholesterol, bile salts or calcium deposited in the gallbladder. They are not cancer in themselves, but long-term untreated or combined with certain risk factors may lead to the development of gallbladder cancer. The following are possible causes of cancer:

Chronic inflammation: Gallstones can cause chronic cholecystitis by irritating the gallbladder mucosa for a long time. Repeated damage and repair of cells in an inflammatory environment may induce lesions.

Porcelain gallbladder: When gallstones cause calcification of the gallbladder wall (porcelain gallbladder), the risk of cancer increases significantly, and about 10%-25% of patients may develop gallbladder cancer.

Stone size and number: Gallstones with a diameter greater than 3 cm or multiple stones may increase the probability of cancer due to long-term compression of the gallbladder wall.

2. How to reduce the risk of gallstones becoming cancerous?

(1) Timely treatment of gallstones

Drug lithotripsy: Suitable for patients with cholesterol gallstones and mild symptoms. Commonly used drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid can dissolve small gallstones, but the treatment course is longer.

Cholecystectomy: For patients with recurrent gallstones or combined high-risk factors, surgical removal of the gallbladder is recommended. A common method is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is less invasive and has a quick recovery.

Lithotripsy: such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, is suitable for some patients who do not want surgery, but it may cause stone recurrence.

(2) Preventing stone formation

Adjust your diet: consume more dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods to reduce the risk of cholesterol stones.

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or losing weight quickly may increase the risk of gallstones. You should control your weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Increase water intake: Drinking more water helps dilute bile and reduce stone deposition.

(3) Regular physical examination

For those who suffer from gallstones or have a family history of the disease, it is recommended that they undergo regular abdominal B-ultrasound examinations to monitor the condition of the gallbladder and detect signs of gallstone enlargement or cancer early.

3. Signs of cancer and countermeasures

If a gallstone patient has the following symptoms, he or she should be highly alert and seek medical attention promptly:

Persistent severe pain in the right upper abdomen, accompanied by jaundice, nausea and vomiting;

Weight loss and fatigue: may indicate cancer or bile duct obstruction;

Yellowing of the skin and sclera: indicates bile duct obstruction and requires further examination.

For patients with suspected cancer, doctors usually confirm the diagnosis through imaging examinations (such as CT, MRI), choledochoscopy or pathological biopsy. Once gallbladder cancer is confirmed, radical cholecystectomy is usually required.

4. Tips

Although gallstones may lead to cancer, this risk can be significantly reduced through active prevention and standardized treatment. If you already have gallstones, do not ignore symptoms or delay treatment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular physical examinations can help prevent further development of gallbladder disease. For patients with recurrent attacks or high-risk factors, early surgery may be a safer option.

Health management needs to start from the little things, pay attention to body signals, take timely actions, and stay away from the troubles of gallbladder diseases.