Will gallstones turn into cancer over time?

If gallstones exist for a long time and are not effectively treated, they may increase the risk of cancer, but not all gallstones will become cancerous. The occurrence of cancer is often related to the long-term irritation of the gallbladder mucosa by gallstones, which causes chronic inflammation. Active management and treatment of gallstones is the key to preventing cancer.

1. Why do gallstones cause cancer?

The formation of gallstones is closely related to abnormal bile composition, bile tract infection and gallbladder dysfunction. When gallstones exist for a long time, they may cause the following problems:

1) Chronic inflammatory stimulation

Gallstones may cause long-term friction with the gallbladder wall, leading to chronic inflammation of the gallbladder mucosa, which in turn leads to mucosal hyperplasia and lesions, increasing the risk of cancer. Data show that about 80% of gallbladder cancer patients are accompanied by gallstones.

2) Cholestasis and toxic effects

Gallstones may lead to poor bile excretion and cause bile to accumulate in the gallbladder. Long-term bile stasis will aggravate the accumulation of toxic substances and may induce gallbladder cell disease.

3) Loss of gallbladder function

Long-term untreated gallstones can affect the gallbladder's contraction function and even cause gallbladder atrophy or calcification (porcelain gallbladder). Porcelain gallbladder is one of the high-risk factors for gallbladder cancer.

2. How to prevent gallstones from becoming cancerous?

The key to preventing gallstones from becoming cancerous is early diagnosis and treatment. The following measures can effectively reduce the risk of cancer:

1) Treat gallstones promptly

Drug litholysis: Suitable for patients with small cholesterol stones. They can take drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid to promote litholysis, but long-term treatment is required.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: Suitable for patients who are not suitable for surgery, but needs to be combined with follow-up management to prevent recurrence.

Cholecystectomy: For patients with recurrent gallbladder disease or impaired gallbladder function, cholecystectomy is an effective method to prevent cancer, especially for stones larger than 3 cm or those with porcelain gallbladder.

2) Adjustment of diet and lifestyle habits

Maintain a light diet and consume more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, to reduce the risk of cholesterol deposition.

Maintain a regular schedule, avoid overeating, and reduce the burden on the gallbladder.

Control your weight and avoid obesity, as obesity is one of the risk factors for gallstones.

3) Regular health check-ups

Regular abdominal ultrasound examinations can monitor the condition of the gallbladder and promptly detect changes in gallstones or gallbladder lesions, especially in high-risk groups such as those with a family history or long-term chronic cholecystitis.

3. What should I do if I find gallstones?

If gallstones are diagnosed, treatment options depend on factors such as the size and number of stones, and whether there are symptoms and complications:

Asymptomatic gallstones: You can choose to observe regularly, but be alert to the enlargement of the stones or the appearance of symptoms.

Symptomatic gallstones: Drug or surgical treatment should be considered based on the severity of the symptoms.

In patients with combined high-risk factors such as porcelain gallbladder, stones exceeding 3 cm in diameter, or thickened gallbladder wall, early surgical removal of the gallbladder is recommended.

Long-term untreated gallstones may increase the risk of cancer, but this risk can be effectively prevented through early intervention, health management and regular check-ups. If you have been diagnosed with gallstones or have long-term gallbladder discomfort, it is recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible to evaluate your condition and develop a suitable treatment plan. A healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude are important guarantees for gallbladder health.