Can gallstones turn into cancer?

Gallstones can turn into cancer, but this is very rare and most people with gallstones do not develop cancer. However, long-term gallstones may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer, especially if gallstones are not treated for a long time or cause chronic inflammation. To avoid this, early diagnosis and proper treatment of gallstones are key.

1.Why might gallstones turn into cancer?

The reason why gallstones may be related to gallbladder cancer is that long-term gallstones can cause chronic irritation to the gallbladder wall, inducing inflammation and cell mutation. Specifically:

Chronic inflammation: Repeated stimulation of the gallbladder mucosa by gallstones can cause chronic cholecystitis. Long-term inflammation can lead to cell proliferation or lesions, increasing the possibility of cancer.

Calcification of the gallbladder wall (porcelain gallbladder): Long-term gallbladder inflammation in some patients can lead to calcification of the gallbladder wall, and porcelain gallbladder is considered a high-risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

Increased bile stasis and toxicity: Gallstones may cause poor bile flow. Long-term stasis of bile can form harmful substances and damage gallbladder cells.

Although the incidence of gallbladder cancer is low, the risk of gallbladder cancer in patients with gallstones is 3-5 times higher than that in the general population, especially in patients with large gallstones with a diameter of more than 3 cm.

2. How should patients with gallstones prevent cancer?

The key to preventing gallbladder cancer is proactive management of gallstones and prompt treatment of potential complications. Specific measures include:

(1) Drug treatment

For people with mild symptoms or small stones, medications may be given to dissolve the gallstones and reduce irritation. Common medications include:

Ursodeoxycholic acid: used to dissolve cholesterol stones, but the treatment course is long and it is suitable for patients who are not suitable for surgery.

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Relieve the symptoms of chronic cholecystitis and prevent further development of inflammation.

(2) Surgical treatment

Surgery is the most effective treatment when gallstones are large, symptoms are severe, or there is chronic cholecystitis:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Currently the most common minimally invasive surgical method, it has a quick recovery and is suitable for most patients.

Open cholecystectomy: Suitable for complex situations such as stone impaction or gallbladder wall calcification.

Lithotripsy assisted by choledochoscope: suitable for stones in the bile duct and can protect the gallbladder function to the greatest extent.

(3) Diet and lifestyle adjustments

A proper diet and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of gallstone formation and inflammation:

Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet: Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods.

Keep your weight stable: Obesity is a risk factor for gallstones, and moderate weight loss is recommended.

Regular work and rest schedule and moderate exercise: promote bile excretion and reduce stone formation.

3. Which gallstone patients need to be more alert to cancer?

The following groups of people need special attention:

Patients with stones larger than 3 cm in diameter.

Patients with porcelain gallbladder or symptoms of chronic cholecystitis.

Patients with a family history of gallbladder cancer.

Patients with a history of gallstones for more than 10 years and without treatment. Although gallstones may turn into cancer, this will not happen to most patients. The key lies in early detection, regular follow-up and targeted treatment. If you have gallstones and experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and jaundice, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible and reduce the risk of cancer through scientific treatment. A healthy diet and lifestyle are also the basis for preventing gallbladder diseases. Paying attention to your body's signals and taking timely action are the best ways to protect your health.