Differential Diagnosis for a Sessile 1 cm Gallbladder Polyp
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cholesterol polyp: This is the most common type of gallbladder polyp and is usually benign. It is often sessile and less than 1 cm in size, making it a likely diagnosis for a sessile 1 cm gallbladder polyp.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Inflammatory polyp: These polyps are also common and are often associated with chronic inflammation of the gallbladder. They can be sessile and may be similar in size to the one described.
- Adenomatous polyp: Although less common than cholesterol polyps, adenomatous polyps are another type of benign polyp that can occur in the gallbladder. They have the potential for malignant transformation, especially if they are larger, but a 1 cm size is still within a range where they are more likely to be benign.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Gallbladder cancer (adenocarcinoma): While less common, gallbladder cancer is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its poor prognosis if not caught early. A sessile polyp, especially one that is 1 cm or larger, could potentially be malignant, making it essential to consider this diagnosis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Leiomyoma: A rare, benign tumor of smooth muscle origin that can occur in the gallbladder.
- Lipoma: A rare, benign tumor composed of fat tissue that can occur in the gallbladder.
- Neuroendocrine tumor: Rare tumors that can arise in the gallbladder, ranging from benign to malignant.
- Metastatic disease to the gallbladder: Although rare, metastases from other primary cancers can occur in the gallbladder, presenting as polypoid lesions.