Can gallstones cause cancer?

There is a certain correlation between gallstones and cancer, but it is not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Gallstones themselves do not cause cancer, but long-term untreated chronic cholecystitis and gallstones may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.

Gallstones are mainly formed by the deposition of cholesterol or pigment in bile in the gallbladder. Common symptoms include paroxysmal pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. If the stones block the bile duct, it may cause serious complications such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, and even acute biliary pancreatitis. If the patient suffers from gallstones for a long time, the long-term chronic inflammatory stimulation of the gallbladder may cause lesions in the gallbladder mucosal epithelial cells and create a risk of cancer. Especially for those with a family history of cancer or other precancerous lesions, the probability of gallstones causing gallbladder cancer is higher.

If you want to prevent and reduce the risk of gallstones turning into cancer, timely treatment is crucial. For most people with gallstones, common treatments include:

1. Drug treatment: such as the use of litholytic drugs (such as ursodeoxycholic acid) to reduce cholesterol stones, but the effect is limited and needs to be taken for a long time. It is suitable for small stones and asymptomatic patients.

2. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: Stones are crushed by shock waves, especially in patients with normal gallbladder function, but the stones may not be completely crushed and multiple treatments may be needed.

3. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: It is suitable for patients with obvious symptoms, recurrent attacks or larger stones. It is a minimally invasive surgery with fast recovery and significant results.

In addition to the above treatments, lifestyle adjustments are also important. Eat a moderate amount of dietary fiber, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and reduce the intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods; maintain moderate exercise, control weight, and avoid obesity; drink a moderate amount of water to promote bile excretion.

If you have frequent gallstone attacks or symptoms of acute cholecystitis (such as persistent severe abdominal pain, high fever, jaundice), you should seek medical attention immediately and follow the doctor's advice for examination and treatment. The doctor will recommend the best treatment plan based on the specific situation. Timely and effective intervention can greatly reduce the risk of complications and cancer caused by gallstones.

Caring for your health is not just about treating illnesses, but also about prevention, improving your lifestyle, and having regular physical examinations to find and solve problems in a timely manner, thereby maintaining good health. When you have abdominal discomfort, do not delay. Early medical examinations can ensure that problems are discovered in a timely manner and that effective treatment can be carried out.