Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and may cause pain, inflammation, or blockage.
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.
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.
Ultrasound is often the first imaging test because it shows stones, gallbladder wall changes, and fluid around the gallbladder well.
Some gallstones need no treatment, while symptomatic cases may require surgery or further bile duct evaluation.
This entry explains the condition. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
