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. 2025 Dec 9;14(4):109771. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v14.i4.109771

Table 1.

Risk factors for malignant gallbladder polyps

Risk factor
Description
Evidence and references
Polyp size > 10 mm Larger polyps have a higher risk of malignancy In adults, polyps ≥ 10 mm have a 5.9% risk of gallbladder cancer; similar trends were observed in pediatric cases[17]
Sessile morphology Sessile polyps are more likely to be malignant compared to pedunculated ones Adult studies show sessile polyps increase malignancy risk by a factor of 7.32[16]
Associated genetic syndromes Conditions like Peutz–Jeghers syndrome and metachromatic leukodystrophy may increase risk[14,15] Pediatric cases with these syndromes have been noted to have GBPs with potential for malignancy
Presence of gallstones Coexistence of gallstones may elevate the risk of malignancy[17] Some studies suggest an increased risk, though evidence is not conclusive
Age > 50 years Older age is a known risk factor for gallbladder cancer in adults; relevance in children is unclear[16] Adult studies indicate increased malignancy risk with age over 50[16]

GBPs: Gallbladder polyps.