Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and may cause pain, inflammation, or blockage.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is needed if abdominal pain lasts more than a short episode, becomes severe, or is accompanied by fever, shivering, jaundice, or persistent vomiting.
Common symptoms
Many people have no symptoms, but others develop severe pain in the upper abdomen or right side, nausea, vomiting, or pain that can spread to the back or shoulder.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when gallstone pain is suspected, when doctors need to look for inflammation or bile duct blockage, or when complications such as jaundice or pancreatitis are a concern.
What radiology does
Ultrasound is often the first imaging test because it shows stones, gallbladder wall changes, and fluid around the gallbladder well.
What usually happens next
Some gallstones need no treatment, while symptomatic cases may require surgery or further bile duct evaluation.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- Abdominal UltrasoundAn Abdominal Ultrasound examines the major organs in your belly, such as your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. This quick test paints a picture of your digestive and filtration organs using sound waves.
- MRCP ScanAn MRCP is an MRI scan designed to focus on the complex network of tubes carrying digestive fluids in your abdomen. It is very good for investigating unexplained jaundice, abdominal pain, or suspected gallstones.
- CT AbdomenA CT Abdomen scan uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs including the liver, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, intestines, and blood vessels.