A gallbladder wall thickness of 5mm is generally not considered serious.
A gallbladder wall thickness of 5mm is a sign of both acute and chronic cholecystitis, whereas chronic cholecystitis may cause a range of symptoms from acute attacks, in addition to an increased risk of gallbladder cancer from long-term chronic inflammatory stimulation. However, chronic cholecystitis is not a serious disease in itself.
Chronic cholecystitis is mostly caused by long-term gallbladder stones. Repeated attacks of inflammation lead to fibrosis, thickening and adhesions in the wall of the gallbladder, which will eventually lead to gallbladder atrophy and loss of normal function.
Chronic cholecystitis patients tend to present with chronic right upper abdominal pain or discomfort, which can sometimes radiate to the right shoulder. Symptoms worsen after a full meal or eating greasy food. When the inflammation is in acute attack, there can be right upper abdominal pain, fever and even jaundice manifestation.
Chronic cholecystitis itself is not a serious disease, for asymptomatic chronic cholecystitis can be temporarily observed and followed up, regular review of dynamic observation of changes in the condition. If the patient’s symptoms are serious, recurrent or cancerous, the gallbladder should be removed as soon as possible. Consult your physician for specific advice.