- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael F. Picco, M.D.
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Michael F. Picco, M.D.
Michael F. Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"Mayo Clinic's website is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our website provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
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Question
Gallbladder polyps: Can they be cancerous?
Are gallbladder polyps associated with gallbladder cancer?
Answer
from Michael F. Picco, M.D.
Gallbladder polyps are growths that protrude from the lining of the inside of the gallbladder. Polyps can be cancerous, but they rarely are.
The size of a gallbladder polyp can be a useful predictor of whether it's cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Gallbladder polyps that are less than 1/2 inch (about 10 millimeters) in diameter are unlikely to be cancerous and generally don't require treatment. However, your doctor may suggest follow-up examinations to look for changes in gallbladder polyps that may be an indication of cancer. This can be done using standard abdominal ultrasound or endoscopic ultrasound.
Gallbladder polyps larger than 10 millimeters (mm) in diameter are more likely to be cancerous. Treatment of larger gallbladder polyps may include surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Polyps larger than 18 mm in diameter may pose a significant risk of being malignant. Your doctor may also recommend cholecystectomy if you have a gallbladder polyp of any size accompanied with gallstones.
- Andersson KL, et al. Acalculous biliary pain, acalculous cholecystitis, cholesterolosis, adenomyomatosis, and polyps of the gallbladder. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&about=true&uniqId=229935664-2192. Accessed March 1, 2011.
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