gallbladder polyp

I am a 31 year old female.  I have had abdominal pain on and off for over 3 months.  The pain is between my belly button and breastbone.  It will last for 4 to 5 days continuously and then go away for a week or so.  It can be quite severe.  An ultrasound shows a small polyp <3mm in my gallbladder.  My doctor wants to remove it.  I have a family history of gallbladder problems.  However on a CT Scan, a hemangioma was also found on my liver.  He did not tell me the size only that it was nothing to be concerned with.  Liver function tests are normal. By the way, the CT Scan also shows an accessory spleen.  My questions are:
1.)  Is gall bladder removal my best choice to cure my symptoms?

2.)  Should I be concerned about this hemangioma?  I understand it is benign but could it be causing my abdominal pain?  Does it need follow up care?

3.)  Are there other tests/scans I should I have before I undergo surgery?

4.) I am scheduled for surgery on 6/8.  Is it okay to wait that long if I do indeed need my gallbladder removed?

I am seeking a second opinion but can't see another doctor until 5/24.  I am worried and my current doctor is not forthcoming with much information.  

Thanks for your time.  
Nicki

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Gallbladder polyps normally are asymptommatic.  You may want to consider other diagnosis before having your gallbladder taken out.

2) Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign hepatic tumors.  Asymptomatic patients, particularly those with lesions <1.5 cm, can be reassured and observed.

3) I would consider other causes of dyspepsia - i.e. an ulcer, GERD or inflammation of the upper digestive tract.  An upper endoscopy as well as tests for H Pylori (a bacteria associated with ulcers and inflammation) can be considered.

4) If there are no stones, then it is less likely that you need it out sooner.  I would discuss this question with your personal physician.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

1) Most people would say a 3mm gallbladder polyp is of no significance. If I were your surgeon (I'm a general surgeon who has done a couple thousand gallbladder operations) I'd tell you I think it has nothing to do with your pain, and represents no significant pathology at this time. There is always a question as to whether the diagnosis is accurate: it's been known to happen that what's thought to be a polyp is infact a stone. But if it is truly a polyp and that's the only thing they found, it's virtually certain it's not causing symptoms.
2) hemangiomas are fairly common, and of no significance. They're a bit like a birthmark many people have on their skin; a group of small blood vessels. Not dangerous at all.
3) if you haven't yet seen a gastroenterologist, it might be a good idea. Some sort of second opinion, at least, before getting your gallbladder out.
4) the danger of gallbladder disease results from stones becoming lodged in the neck of the gallbladder, causing it to become inflamed or infected; or from a stone passing from the gallbladder into the bile duct. Since you apparently don't have stones, there's no danger

[louise7901]

A related discussion, gallbladder + liver hemangioma was started.