Will gallstones turn into cancer if not treated with surgery?

Gallstones without surgery may increase the risk of cancer, but not all patients will develop cancer. The key lies in timely diagnosis and effective management. Long-term presence of gallstones may cause chronic inflammation and increase the probability of cancer in the biliary system, especially gallbladder cancer. Treatment options include drug dissolution, dietary adjustments, regular monitoring and surgical intervention.

1. Causes of Gallstone Cancer

Long-term irritation of the gallbladder wall by gallstones may lead to chronic cholecystitis, which in turn increases the risk of cancer. Genetic factors, dietary habits, obesity and metabolic syndrome are also important causes. The incidence of gallbladder cancer in patients with gallstones is significantly higher than that in the general population, especially when the stones are larger in diameter or have existed for a long time.

2. Non-surgical treatment

For patients who are not suitable for surgery, drug treatment is one of the options. Ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to dissolve cholesterol stones, but the course of treatment is long and the effect is limited. Dietary adjustment is also important. Reducing the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods and increasing dietary fiber and water intake can help prevent stone enlargement. Regular ultrasound examinations can monitor changes in stones and detect abnormalities in time.

3. Necessity of surgical treatment

When gallstones cause recurrent cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, or cancer is suspected, surgery is the preferred treatment. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most commonly used method, with minimal trauma and quick recovery. For patients suspected of cancer, the scope of surgery may need to be expanded, including cholecystectomy and surrounding lymph node dissection.

4. Prevention and lifestyle adjustment

Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are key to preventing gallstones and their complications. Avoid long-term fasting and overeating, and reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods. Regular physical examinations, especially abdominal ultrasound examinations, can help detect gallstones early and take intervention measures.

Patients with gallstones should pay close attention to changes in their condition and seek medical attention in a timely manner to assess risks. For high-risk groups, such as those with large stones, a long medical history, or chronic inflammation, early surgery is recommended to reduce the risk of cancer. At the same time, a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups can effectively prevent the occurrence of gallstones and their complications.