Should I Be Concerned About My Gallbladder Polyp Diagnosis?
I’m a 21-year-old male, standing at 5'5" and weighing 117 pounds. Currently, I’m studying abroad, which has complicated my understanding of the medical details due to a language barrier with my doctors. While I managed to grasp some critical information regarding my health, I’m left uncertain about the severity of my diagnosis concerning an irregular gallbladder polyp. From my perspective, it seemed like a low-risk situation since they conducted a blood test that came back normal, prescribed some medication, and provided little else in guidance. However, my research online suggests that my polyp is quite large, measuring approximately 2cm by 1cm. It’s concerning because, prior to the tests, the doctor did bring up the possibility of cancer, which has increased my anxiety about the situation. Should I be worried? Additionally, I began taking PrEP a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve heard from others experiencing similar side effects to mine, although none of them mentioned gallbladder issues or polyps. Is there a chance these could be connected? To provide more context, I’ve been dealing with significant stomach pain, which is starting to fade without any medication. I also experienced a brief but intense dizziness after lunch that lasted for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 10:10:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about a gallbladder polyp diagnosis, especially with the concerns raised by your doctor. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
Main Points:
- Polyp Size and Risk: While larger polyps can present risks, the majority are non-cancerous and require monitoring.
- Symptoms and Management: Stomach pain may be related to the polyp, but resolving mild symptoms is a positive sign.
- Connection to PrEP: Current evidence does not typically link PrEP with gallbladder issues, but it’s essential to monitor your overall health.
Explanation:
Gallbladder polyps are growths on the inner wall of the gallbladder, and while some can potentially be malignant (cancerous), it’s crucial to understand that most polyps—especially those under 1 cm—are benign. Your doctor’s follow-up care, particularly given a normal blood test, suggests they are not currently concerned about immediate cancer risk.
The size of your polyp (approximately 2 cm) does warrant ongoing observation, as polyps over 1 cm can potentially require further monitoring or investigation. It’s great that your stomach pain is improving without medication, indicating that it might not be a long-term issue. However, persistent symptoms should be followed up.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any stomach pain, dizziness, or any new symptoms. Note when they occur and their intensity.
- Diet Adjustments: While your symptoms fade, try to maintain a light diet, avoiding fatty or fried foods which can aggravate gallbladder symptoms.
- Seek Follow-Up: Plan to have a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider. If the language barrier continues to complicate care, consider bringing a bilingual friend or finding translated materials beforehand.
- Communicate Concerns About PrEP: Talk to your healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your PrEP medication and its possible side effects. Although gallbladder issues are not commonly reported, it’s essential to address your concerns.
If you start experiencing severe symptoms such as prolonged abdominal pain, persistent dizziness, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), seek medical attention promptly. This will provide clarity and peace of mind. Your health is important, and taking these steps can help you manage your concerns effectively.
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