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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)

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Gallbladder polyp and fatty pancrease

Answered by

Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine

Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA

This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

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MedHelp Member's Question

Gallbladder polyp and fatty pancrease

by mfabrizio, Nov 30, 2004 12:00AM

Tags: gallbladder, fatty, abdominal, alcohol, chronic, evaluation, hepatitis, pain, pancreatitis, polyps, treatment, years, Chronic pancreatitis, Hepatitis C, hep c

After a number of attacks of severe upper abdominal pain, one lasting all night, I was given an abdominal ultrasound that showed a gallbladder polyp and fatty pancreas. I also have a 35 year history of Hepatitis C with stage 3 liver scarring. Should I be worried about the polyp and the fatty pancreas? What do they indicate? The attacks of pain sometimes last for 3 or 4 days.

Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD

, Nov 30, 2004 12:00AM

Most gallbladder polyps are benign. The only treatment is removal of the gallbladder, and treatment is dependent on the size of the polyp. Polyps between 5-10mm should be followed closely with repeat ultrasounds every 3 months. Polyps larger than 10mm should be removed to ensure there is no cancer.

Regarding the pancreas, chronic pancreatitis can lead to this - possibly by chronic alcohol ingestion. You may want to consider a CT scan as well as pancreatic enzymes for further evaluation.

I would consider a referral to a GI specialist if you aren't seeing one already.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.

Medical Weblog:

kevinmd_b

Member Comments (2)

by mfabrizio, Nov 30, 2004 12:00AM

Regarding my prior question and the posted answer, in light of the Hepatitis C diagnosis after a transfusion many years ago, I have not used alcohol for over 30 years and I wondered if anyone else with the Hepatitis C diagnosis has experienced gallbladder polyps and fatty pancreas after long-term Hep C.

by TazLady, Dec 02, 2004 12:00AM

I have Chronic Pancreatitis and SOd and did NOT get pancreatitis from alcohol. I belong to a board where another member is researching the possibility of thelink between Hep C and pancreatitis. You should check it out. You may find something useful there. It is a yahoo board group so I think you have to join to post. But I think it will be of benefit to you. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pancreatitis/

Sandy

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