Gallstones
While gallstones usually form in the gallbladder; they can be found in bile; in the intrahepatic, hepatic, common bile, and cystic ducts. Gallstones ofen do not cause any symptoms. They are often discovered when having a routine x-ray, abdominal surgery, or abdominal ultrasound. When gallstones move from the gallbladder into the cystic duct of common bile duct, it can lead to severe cramping pain in the upper right abdomen. This can last from a few minutes to a few hours. Cholesterol gallstones are more often noticed in women who are obese, on HRT or with elevated blood triglyceride. Black pigment gallstones are usually formed when there is increased destruction of RBC. Others who are likely to suffer gallstones are those suffering liver cirrhosis and biliary tract infections or sickle cell anemia. Gallstones can form when the gallbladder does not empty bile properly. Blood tests to check bilirubin, liver function test and pancreatic enzymes are often prescribed. In cases of severe painful episodes, cholecystectomy is performed.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis referes to severe abdominal pain associated with gallbladder inflammation or gallstones. Acute cholecystitis can manifest as sharp cramping pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. It usually appears after a fatty meal. Cholecystitis might also lead to nausea and vomiting and often jaundice. Diagnostic tests that are prescribed to detect this condition are Liver function test, abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy. In many cases, cholecystitis can clear on its own, with the right low-fat diet and antibiotics. But in other cases, surgery may be needed to remove the gallbladder.
Polyp
A polyp is an abnormal stalk-like growth on mucuous membrane. Typical areas where polyps are noticed are nose, cervix, small intestine, gallbladder, stomach, colon and bladder.
An endometrial polyp is found within the uterine cavity and is usually benign. Women suffering this type of polyps experience irregular menstrual bleeding, menorrhagia and pain. Endometrial polyps can be diagnosed with a hysteroscopy.
Colorectal polyps might lead to symptoms such as blood or mucus in stool, abdominal pain and diarrhea. They are diagnosed with a colonoscopy or barium meal X-rays.
Nasal polyps are usually treated with steroids to curtain their growth. Sometimes, they are surgically removed.
Colorectal polyps are nearly always removed and tested for cancer.
Cervical polyps are most often due to cervical inflammation. They might throw up symptoms such as vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women, bleeding after sex or menorrhagia.
Gallbladder polyps most often show up during an abdominal ultrasound as they usually do not exhibit any symptoms.
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