Gallbladder polyps: evolving approach to the diagnosis and management

Abstract

Gallbladder (GB) polyp is a mucosal projection into the GB lumen. With increasing health awareness, GB polyps are frequently found using ultrasonography during health screening. The prevalence of GB polyps ranges between 1.3% and 9.5%. Most patients are asymptomatic and have benign characteristics. Of the nonneoplastic polyps, cholesterol polyps are most common, accounting for 60%–70% of lesions. However, a few polyps have malignant potential. Currently, the guidelines recommend laparoscopic cholecystectomy for polyps larger than 1 cm in diameter due to their malignant potential. The treatment algorithm can be influenced by the size, shape, and numbers of polyps, old age (>50 years), the presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis, and gallstones. This review summarizes the commonly recognized concepts on GB polyps from diagnosis to an algorithm of treatment.

Introduction

Gallbladder (GB) polyps are defined as mucosal projection of the GB wall into the lumen [1]. Recently, with the easy availability of ultrasonography (US) and the increasing awareness of physical checkup, the detection of GB polypoid lesion is steadily on the rise [2]. Most GB polyps are incidentally found and asymptomatic. Although benign lesions are overwhelming, some can be transformed into malignant. Polyps more than 1 cm in size and adenomatous polyps are of clinical importance due to the risk of cancerous change. The prevalence of GB polyps ranges from 1.3% to 9.5%, with geographical differences [3-6]. A Korean data demonstrated that the prevalence of GB polyps in Korea ranges from 2.2% to 9.9%, which is similar to other studies [7,8]. The guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of GB polyps have remained unchanged for a while. In this review, the diagnosis, classification, natural history, and algorithm for the management of GB polyps will be described.

Imaging modalities for the diagnosis of gallbladder polyps

GB polyps are generally detected using US, followed infrequently by abdominal computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) [9]. US is noninvasive, safe, easily accessible, and less costly; therefore, it is the primary choice in the diagnosis of GB polyps. The sonographic features of GB polyps are hyperechoic lesions protruding into the GB lumen, absence of post-acoustic shadow, and lack of positional change of lesions (Fig. 1). Under the supine with/or decubitus position, the lesion should be scanned for better visualization of polyps. Sometimes, the body habitus can affect the image quality. It is crucial to identify the size, number, and shape of polyps, GB wall thickening, and presence of gallstones. During US examination, however, gallstones smaller than 5 mm cannot be distinguished between polyps and stones in real practice [10,11]. Sometimes, the presence of biliary sludge, or small stones (<5 mm), can be mistaken as GB polyps [12,13].

Fig. 1.

Ultrasonography shows a polypod lesion (arrow) in the gallbladder. It measured 9.9 mm in maximal diameter and was not mobile regardless of the positional change. Pathologically, it was confirmed as adenoma.

With the increasing use of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the gastrointestinal field, it is opted for detailed GB structures and augmenting the diagnostic accuracy of GB polyps. EUS is favorable, in particular, in patients who are obese or harbor bowel gas, because the probe is proximally positioned and scanning is performed from the duodenum. The sensitivity and specificity of EUS for carcinoma diagnosis were 91.7% and 87.7%, respectively [14]. A Japanese group has proposed that an EUS scoring system based on polyp size, internal echo, and hyperechoic spotting may be a useful parameter for differentiating between neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps, with high sensitivity (77.8%) and specificity (82.7%) [15]. Additionally, EUS can be an alternative in cases of diagnostic difficulty of GB polyps by abdominal US. However, the differential diagnosis between adenomatous polyps and cholesterol polyps based on EUS or US is still challenging because morphology and echo patterns are alike. Recently, contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CEH-EUS) was introduced to differentiate between GB adenomas and cholesterol polyps [16]. Following injection of contrast agents of microbubbles into the vessel, CEH-EUS can detect signals scattering from microbubbles because harmonic components derived from microbubbles are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency and higher than those from tissue [17]. Sensitivity and specificity of CEH-EUS for the differential diagnosis of GB adenomas from cholesterol polyps were 75.0% and 66.6%, respectively [18]. In addition, an irregular vessel pattern by CEH-EUS can enhance the diagnostic power with sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 96.6%, respectively [19].

Other imaging modalities including CT, fluorine-18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) PET-CT, and MRI are occasionally collaborative to enhance the diagnostic power in cases of suspicious GB malignancy or cancer staging [20,21]. CT scans are considered as first-line modality for symptomatic patients. Although CT has lower sensitivity for the detection of small polyps, it is valuable for the preoperative evaluation of GB malignancy [22,23]. The role of PET scan is not fully defined yet. ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT is usually used for staging of known or suspected GB cancer, but it is not tumor specific. Benign inflammatory GB lesions can also show false-positive on PET image [24]. The diagnostic power and limitations of MRI are similar to those of CT [25]. In particular, MRI is highly useful in the evaluation of tumor infiltration because of its high sensitivity of detection and evaluation of the primary lesion [26].

Classification of gallbladder polyps

Polypoid GB lesions are mainly categorized as benign and malignant. Specifically, benign lesions are divided into neoplastic and nonneoplastic (Tables 1, 2) [1,27-29]. Most benign lesions are regarded as nonneoplastic. Cholesterol polyps, inflammatory polyps, and adenomyomas belong to nonneoplastic lesions; however, adenoma is classified as a neoplastic lesion. Abdominal US alone cannot determine whether it is a neoplastic or nonneoplastic polyp. Therefore, once GB polyps are incidentally identified using US, surgical treatment is frequently being considered if the size is larger than 1 cm.

Table 1.

Nonneoplastic gallbladder polyps

Nonneoplastic polyp	Mean size (mm)	Radiologic finding	Pathologic finding	Number (single/multiple, %)	Frequency (%)
Cholesterol polyp	<10	US: hyperechoic polyp, typically round shape with “ball on the wall” sign	Grossly, yellow appearance, microscopically, distinctive cauliflower configuration and cholesterol-laden macrophages	Single (36.4)	60−90
				Multiple (63.6)
Inflammatory polyp	<10	US: variable echogenicity (iso-, hypo-, or hyper-)	Pseudopapillary fronds with reactive mucosal changes, inflammation, and increased vascularity	Usually multiple	10
Adenomyoma	NA	US: wall thickening with ‘‘comet tail’’	Trabeculated appearance cystic dilation of glandular spaces (Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses) and smooth muscle hypertrophy	Usually single	25−40
		MRI: ‘‘pearl necklace” sign of by fluid containing diverticula
Fibromyoglandular polyp	4.3 (2−13)	NA	Broad-based polyps	Single (56)	48
			Lobular units of small glands	Multiple (44)
			Fibroblastic and/or muscular stroma
Hamartoma	NA	NA	NA	NA	Very rare

US, ultrasonography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; NA, not available.

Table 2.

Neoplastic gallbladder polyps

Neoplastic polyp	Mean size (mm)	Radiologic finding	Pathologic finding	Number (single/multiple, %)	Frequency (%)
Benign tumor
Epithelial tumor
Adenoma	7  (5−20)	US: isoechoic sessile or pedunculated	Sessile or pedunculated benign glandular structures	Mainly single	4−8.9
ICPN with low- and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia	>20	NA	A distinct polypoid mass, intraluminal papillary growth, with low- and high-grade dysplasia	Single (82)	0.5−0.8
				Multiple (18)
Mesenchymal tumor
Leiomyoma/lipoma	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
Malignant tumor
Epithelial tumor
Adenocarcinoma	>10	US: a wide polyp base, thickening of wall (>3 mm), a polypoid mass projecting intraluminally	Mainly papillary form; densely cellular papillary fronds protruding into the lumen, with infiltrative growth	Mainly single	0.6−1.7
					(80% of gallbladder malignancy)
ICPN with associated invasive carcinoma	>20		Intraluminal growth; mainly papillary growth pattern and stromal invasion	Single (78)	0.5−0.8
				Multiple (22)
Mesenchymal tumor
Leiomyosarcoma	NA	NA	NA	NA	<0.1 (1%−2% of gallbladder malignancy)

US, ultrasonography; ICPN, intracholecystic papillary neoplasm; NA, not available.

1. Nonneoplastic polyps

Nonneoplastic polyps have been identified based on the radiologic image, surgery, and pathologic findings (Table 1). The most common histologic types of nonneoplastic polyps are cholesterol polyps (60%–90%), followed by adenomyomas (25%–40%), and inflammatory polyps (10%) [9]. However, in the study of Taskin et al. [29], fibromyoglandular polyps are the most common type (48%) of nonneoplastic GB polyps.

1) Cholesterol polyps

Cholesterol polyps are most common nonneoplastic polyp, accounting for 60%–90% of lesions [12,30]. They are formed as a sequence of phagocytosis of cholesterol ester, triglyceride, and esterified sterols by macrophage located in the lamina propria, covering the columnar epithelium with foamy histiocytes. It is understood that their gradual accumulation develops as a result of cholesterol metabolism disruption [11,31]. These polyps are more prevalent in middle-aged women, with sizes less than 10 mm [31]. At US, cholesterol polyps appear as small and round lesions that are attached to the wall, characterized as “ball on the wall” sign [23]. Cholesterol polyps have a distinctive cauliflower configuration, which is commonly lined by single-layered normal epithelium with underlying thick, cholesterol-laden, or widened edematous cores (Fig. 2) [29]. In cholesterolosis, the mucosa acquires a velvety pattern with yellow-green-colored papillary structures with a diameter of less than 1 mm.

Fig. 2.

Cholesterol polyp in a 55-year-old woman. (A) Grossly, the gallbladder shows multiple yellowish polyps in the lumen. (B) Microscopically, cholesterol polyps are characterized by cauliflower architecture. Numerous cholesterol-laden macrophages are present (hematoxylin and eosin stain, x100).

2) Adenomyomas

It is known that these lesions are formed during cholecystitis events as a result of mucosal hyperplasia or thickening of the muscular tissue [11]. Mucosal hyperplasia can lead to adenomyoma with the formation and branching of Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses in the muscular layer of the GB. These are commonly classified into three types based on the morphology: fundal (localized), segmental (annular), and diffuse (generalized) types. A typical sonographic finding is the presence of reverberation or “comet tail” artifact posterior to the lesion [22]. Particularly, the segmental type mimics the hourglass configuration due to the concentric circumferential thickening of the GB wall [20]. At MRI, the Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses create a “pearl necklace” sign of multiple round spaces on T2-weighted images, which has 92% specificity for adenomyomatosis [25,32].

3) Inflammatory polyps

Inflammatory polyps reportedly constitute 10% of benign polyps, measuring less than 10 mm in diameter [21]. They occur as a secondary change following chronic inflammation and gallstone formation. Gradual and long-lasting precipitation of cholesterol results in subsequent mucosal irritation of the GB. It is presumed that the inflammatory process involving lymphocytes and plasma cells is attributed to chronic inflammation, finally ensuing granulation and fibrous tissue formation [20]. Consequently, pathology shows pseudopapillary fronds with reactive mucosal changes, inflammation, and increased vascularity [23]. Little is known about the imaging features of these polyps. At US, it presents a variety of echoic patterns, including iso-, hypo-, and hyper-echogenicity [33].

2. Neoplastic polyps

The most important neoplastic polyps are adenoma and adenocarcinoma. However, there have been case reports of mesenchymal tumors, such as leiomyosarcoma, leiomyomas, and lipomas [9,21,34].

1) Adenoma

GB adenomas occur in 4%–8.9% of all GB polyps (Table 2) [21,30,34,35]. The adenoma can be sessile, pedunculated, or polypoid and usually measures from 5 to 20 mm. At US, the adenomatous polyp is characterized by an isoechoic appearance and usually solitary (Fig. 3) [23,25]. Its malignant potential remains controversial. Unlike the colon, in which the adenoma-carcinoma pathway is the well-established mechanism of carcinogenesis, the dysplasia-carcinoma sequence is believed to play a major role in GB carcinogenesis [36-39]. Its plausible explanation is that chronic inflammation can lead to dysplasia, which ultimately develops into cancer. Most adenomas are incidentally found, similar to other polyps. Unfortunately, there is no reliable imaging modality to differentiate GB adenoma from adenocarcinoma yet.

Fig. 3.

Adenomatous gallbladder polyp in a 69-year-old man. (A) Ultrasonography shows a sessile polyp (arrow) with a wide base that was immobile and lacks an acoustic shadow. The polyp measured 16.8 mm in maximal diameter. (B) Microscopically, the adenoma is composed of closely packed, pyloric-type glands lined by mucin-containing cuboidal cells (hematoxylin and eosin stain, x100).

2) Intracholecystic papillary neoplasms

Intracholecystic papillary neoplasms (ICPNs) are very rare, occurring in 0.5%–0.8% of all cholecystectomies [40,41]. Little is known about their clinicopathological trait and natural history due to the lack of standardized terminology among pathologists or published data. ICPNs are mass-forming neoplasms (≥1 cm), which are the GB counterparts of the pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and the biliary ductal intraductal papillary neoplasms [40]. Grossly, ICPNs are featured by single or multifocal large pedunculated or sessile exophytic cauliflower-like configuration or polypoid projections [40]. Microscopic image shows a variety of cytological atypia, architectural atypia with papillary and tubular patterns [41]. The frequency of high-grade dysplasia and associated invasive carcinoma was significantly higher in those with papillary growth pattern than in tubular ones.

3) Adenocarcinoma

It is the most common malignant GB polyp and is more frequently found in women and elderly patients [23]. Histopathologically, the most common histologic types of GB cancers are adenocarcinoma. Based on the architecture and cytological morphology, it can be classified into three types: well, moderately, and poorly differentiated [11]. Of the several subtypes, the papillary form is the most common and presents densely cellular papillary fronds, which project into the GB lumen [9]. On US, it usually has a solitary polyp larger than 10 mm with a wide base [42]. PET-CT has been a valuable modality for the differential diagnosis of GB malignancy [43,44]. Koh et al. [44] reported that the sensitivity of ¹⁸F-FDG PET was 75% for the diagnosis of GB carcinoma.

Natural course of gallbladder polyps

To date, the natural history and pathogenesis of GB polypoid lesions are still scarce. A meta-analysis about a 7-year follow-up of GB polyps revealed a size progression in 7.6%, no interval changes in 45.1%, shrinkage in 7%, and complete disappearance of polyps in 7.6% [45]. An 11-year follow-up conducted by Heitz et al. [46] demonstrated an increase in 35.7%, no change of polyps in 14.3%, and a decrease in size in 50%. Park et al. [42] reported that 75% of polyps were unchanged, 15% increased, and 10% decreased in size during a median 60-month follow-up. Colecchia et al. [47] reported that polyps were 91% unchanged, 5.7% increased, and 3.8% decreased in size during a 5-year follow-up. However, no clinical data are available on the duration of follow-up of small polyps (<1 cm). Some studies have described that 94% of polyps with diameter less than 1 cm were benign [10,48]. Colecchia et al. [47] showed that there were no symptoms and/or morphological changes of small-sized polyps during the 5-year follow-up.

Management of gallbladder polyps

As the presence of a polyp larger than 10 mm in diameter is accepted as having malignancy potential, cholecystectomy is currently the treatment of choice [12,49-51]. However, there is still no agreement on the management of GB polyps less than 10 mm in diameter. Recently, the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology proposed a treatment algorithm for GB polyps [49]. A small polyp rarely causes any symptoms in the clinical setting. Nevertheless, laparoscopic resection is recommended if there is no definite cause for upper abdominal pain and the patient is eligible for cholecystectomy (Fig. 4) [11,49]. There are other predictive risk factors for the physician to consider for appropriate management. The risk factors of GB malignancy are old age (>50 years), history of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and the presence of gallstones and sessile polyp [49]. For those with nonneoplastic and polypoid lesions smaller than 10 mm, a “wait and see” policy and regular follow-up are warranted [11]. Among patients with small polyps, cholecystectomy is recommended if they have the aforementioned risk factors [49]. Likewise, cholecystectomy is advised in cases of rapid polyp growth.

Fig. 4.

Algorithm for the management of gallbladder polyps. PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis. ^a)During follow up, cholecystectomy is advised if the polyp size increases, however, follow up is unnecessary if the polyp disappears.

1. Age

The risk of malignant change of a GB polyp increases with age. Several studies have different cutoff values for malignancy risk. Kwon et al. [52] reported that age over 60 years (p=0.021; odds ratio [OR], 8.16) is a risk factor for malignant polyps. However, the age 50 is usually indicated as a risk factor threshold for cholecystectomy. A systemic review indicated that if the patient is older than 50 years of age, the odds of malignancy increase by 11.83 [12,53,54]. Bhatt et al. [53] suggested that when the polyp was smaller than 10 mm and age was over 50, the probability of malignancy was 20.7%, in which resection has been recommended.

2. Numbers

The relationship of malignant potential between single and multiple polyps has not been established yet. Several studies did not prove any association between a solitary polyp and high risk of malignancy. Meanwhile, in a systematic review by Bhatt et al. [53], a solitary polyp alone increased the odds of malignancy by a factor of 2.05. Furthermore, a solitary polyp in a patient over 50 years old escalated the probability of malignancy by 24.25%.

3. Sessile polyps

A sessile morphology is more predominant in malignant polyps. GB cancer usually arises in situ from a flat, dysplastic epithelium, which explains the malignant potential of the sessile shape [52,55]. Kwon et al. [52] demonstrated that sessile polyps increase the risk of malignancy by a factor of 7.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.48–23.95). Likewise, a systemic review by Bhatt et al. [53] revealed that the sessile shape in a GB polyp was identified as an independent risk factor of malignancy by a factor of 7.32 (95% CI, 4.18–12.82).

4. Gallstones

A few studies have proposed that gallstones may be a risk factor for malignancy in GB polyps [56]. However, the risk of malignancy of polyps when combined with gallstones is relatively low and evidence is weak. Although Aldouri et al. [56] suggested that the presence of gallstones was an independent risk factor, Park et al. [42] did not reveal any connection between concurrent gallstones and malignancy.

5. Primary sclerosing cholangitis

PSC is a well-established risk factor for a GB polyp malignancy, requiring cholecystectomy regardless of the polyp size [57]. Said et al. [58] revealed that GB polyps were found in 6% (18/286) of patients, GB malignancy in 56% (10/18), and dysplasia in 9% [58]. An inflammation-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence might be the plausible elucidation, which was similar to that of cholangiocarcinoma in PSC and colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis [58-60].

Conclusion

Of the imaging modalities, US played a pivotal role in diagnosing GB polyps. A diameter greater than 10 mm is undoubtedly the most important risk factor of malignancy, requiring cholecystectomy. It is currently warranted to take the “wait and see” policy at a regular interval, rather than resection, for incidental polyps of 6–9 mm in size. Other risk factors, including any symptoms, concurrent gallstones, age >50 years, sessile polyps, and PSC, should be considered in determining the treatment plan.