What is a hyperechoic gallbladder polyp?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, hyperechoic gallbladder polyps refer to abnormal structures observed on ultrasound as protrusions from the gallbladder wall into the lumen, exhibiting higher echogenicity than the surrounding gallbladder wall. These are mostly benign lesions, but regular monitoring is required to rule out potential risks. In daily life, individuals with hyperechoic gallbladder polyps should maintain a low-fat diet and avoid overeating.

Generally, a hyperechoic gallbladder polyp refers to an abnormal structure observed during ultrasound examination as a protrusion from the gallbladder wall into the lumen, exhibiting higher echogenicity than the surrounding gallbladder wall. These polyps are mostly benign, but regular monitoring is required to rule out potential risks. A detailed analysis is as follows:

From the perspective of ultrasound characteristics, hyperechoic gallbladder polyps appear as bright echo signals on imaging, with clear boundaries from surrounding tissues. In most cases, they do not move with changes in body position—a feature that helps doctors differentiate them from other gallbladder abnormalities such as gallstones. Common types include cholesterol polyps, which form due to deposition of cholesterol crystals and are one of the main reasons for the hyperechoic appearance. These polyps are typically small in size.

Hyperechoic gallbladder polyps themselves usually cause no obvious symptoms and are often incidentally detected during routine physical examinations. However, if the polyp's diameter exceeds 1 cm, shows rapid growth, or is accompanied by gallbladder wall thickening, closer monitoring is necessary, as there may be a risk of malignant transformation in rare cases.

In daily life, individuals with hyperechoic gallbladder polyps should maintain a low-fat diet, avoid overeating, keep regular作息 (daily routines), and undergo periodic ultrasound follow-up examinations as recommended by their physicians to dynamically monitor any changes in the polyps.

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