Can gallstones undergo malignant transformation?

In general, gallbladder stones may lead to pathological changes, but the likelihood and type of such changes are closely related to the size of the stones, duration of presence, and individual patient factors. A detailed analysis is as follows:

As gallstones move and rub against the gallbladder wall over a long period, they can repeatedly damage and irritate the gallbladder mucosa, leading to cycles of injury and repair. Prolonged chronic inflammation may trigger abnormal cell proliferation in the mucosal lining, increasing the risk of pathological changes. If the stones are large or remain fixed in position, they continuously compress localized areas of the gallbladder wall, impairing blood circulation, causing tissue ischemia and necrosis, and potentially leading to mucosal hyperplasia or even malignant transformation. Additionally, if cholecystitis caused by gallstones is not effectively controlled over time, recurrent and worsening inflammation can destroy the normal structure of the gallbladder, resulting in thickening and fibrosis of the gallbladder wall and gradual loss of normal function, thereby creating conditions conducive to pathological changes.

To prevent complications, avoid high-fat diets in daily life, as they may stimulate gallbladder contraction and trigger inflammation. If persistent symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss occur, seek immediate medical attention to evaluate potential pathological changes and prevent delays in treatment.