GALVER POLYP IN PEDIATRICS: ABOUT A CASE

Abstract

Gallbladder polyps are lesions that protrude towards the lumen as a result of the proliferation of the biliary mucosa, they are of unknown etiology, they are rare in childhood, in adults the incidence is from 0.3 to 12.3%, however, only 5% are considered to have malignant potential; symptoms are nonspecific. Histologically they can be classified as pseudopolyps, true polyps, which include adenomas and adenocarcinomas, are benign with malignant potential. The study of choice for diagnosis is ultrasound. We report a case, an 11 yo female with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in routine laboratories, an abdominal ultrasound was performed, showing an echogenic image in the gallbladder. She underwent surgery, performing open retrograde cholecystectomy. Histopathology showed the presence of a villous tubular adenoma. Published series support that this type of polyp can evolve into malignancy. Malignant polyps are generally larger than benign ones; the size of the polyp is the main risk factor, a diameter of 10 mm, increases the risk of malignancy. Gallbladder cancer is the fifth most frequent malignant pathology of the gastrointestinal tract in the United States, adenoma has a 7% risk of developing cancer, more commonly tubulovillous adenoma which has an incidence of 0.38% and is considered as a premalignant lesion. The reason why these cases occur is their low frequency and their controversy regarding treatment due to its relationship with gallbladder cancer.