Boyfriend has gallbladder polyps

Hi, my boyfriend has type 1 diabetes and has numerous scans and they have picked up polyps on his gallbladder. He had a check up today at the hospital, they have found that one of the polyps has enlarged some what since his last scan, he also has a discoloured liver. They have said that they maybe able to manage his liver on medication, and surgery is an option for his polyps. I suppose my question is, why have they not operated yet he has had the polyps for a while now? Why will they not do anything to help? What can I do to support and help him? Is their any help and advice out their for a partner of someone with gallbladder polyps.

 

Thanks 

Any help is much appreciated

  • Hello Skully, 

    I am sorry to hear about your boyfriend's gallbladder polyps and that one of them has got a bit larger. 

    I've had a look on our website for information on gallbladder polyps and found this on this page

    "These small growths are not cancer and many adults have them. They develop on the surface lining of the gallbladder. But some might develop into cancer over a long period of time.

    The larger the polyp, the greater that risk is that it will become cancerous. You might have an operation to remove your gallbladder if you have a polyp that is larger than 1 centimetre (10mm)."

    It is possible therefore that the operation has only been recommended now because of one of the polyps has got larger but perhaps you could ask your doctor more information as to why this has only been suggested now. 

    I hope you will find some support here from others who have had gallbladder polyps or who have a loved one who has been affected by these. I had a little look on the forum for past threads on the subject and found for example [@jeik]on this thread and [@MUFCDAN]here who also had gallbladder polyps so hopefully they will be along to share their experience with you. 

    If you have any questions, our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Very best wishes to you and your boyfriend, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Lucie for your reply, I'm just mainly looking for support as I am worried and dont know who talk to about this as my family don't want to know so I don't know who else their is to talk to. I am glad that I have found this website as I feel it's a safe place where I can express how I feel with out any judgement and I thank you for that. 

     

    Thanks 

    Skully

  • Hi Skully,

    Hope your boyfriend is doing well since you have posted.

    I was just told by the GP today that they found a Polyps on my Gallbladder (2mm or 2.5mm was a bit in shock).

     

    Any update ?

  • Same here . Bit shocked . Mine 3mm . All we can do is wait for another US . But I won’t wait until a year . I will have to go sooner. Must be hopeful though. If small should be benign,  Not referred to specialist as I guess Drs will refer if grows bigger. 

    Sue