Hello, My RUQ Ultrasound Impession: Cholelithiasis With Borderline Gallbladder Wall

Posted on Tue, 22 Oct 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
My RUQ ultrasound impession:Cholelithiasis with borderline gallbladder wall thickening that could represent acute or chronic cholecystitis. No other right quadrant abnormality seen. I read that and irregular bladder wall would raise suspicion for gall bladder cancer. My grandma died from gall bladder cancer. Would "wall thickening" be more concerning and equal "irregular" or is it generally present with gallstones? Prostrate mri with contrast showed "probable gallstones". What is my risk of cancer with this info? I'm not symptomatic. Jan2018 ct w/wo contrast of pelvis (gall bladder) was negative. Thanks very much! XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (-2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gallbladder may be removed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Both cholecystitis and gallbladder cancer show thickened wall in scans.
Many a times histopathological examination of gallbladder removed for cholecystitis show evidence of cancer.
Histopathological examination is the only way to to confirm it.
I would advise you to get the gallbladder removed and get a histopathological examination of it done.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (46 minutes later)

What does “borderline” wall thickening mean? Can that mean for example less than 1 cm?
Thanks!!

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 minute later)

And is mri better than ct if further imaging is needed?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Up to 4 mm, it is considered normal.
So borderline wall thickening means around 4 mm.
CT scan is a better modality for further evaluation.

Regards,
Dr R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (12 hours later)

What kind of ct and why better than mri??
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Contrast enhanced CT scan should be done.
When cancer is suspected CT scan is a better option than MRI.
Regards
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D