What is a porcelain gallbladder?

"Porcelain gallbladder" refers to a condition where calcification is present on the walls of the gallbladder, and the affected area turns brittle and blue, explains Dr. John Torres of Premier Urgent Care. Porcelain gallbladder is a rare condition, and treatment usually involves surgical removal of the gallbladder.

A porcelain gallbladder may result from a previously inflamed gallbladder, a condition known as cholecystitis, says the American Cancer Society. ACS claims that those with porcelain gallbladder and cholecystitis may be at a higher risk for gallbladder cancer because both conditions involve inflammation.

However, the link between porcelain gallbladder and gallbladder cancer is not well-established, and Cancer Research UK says that it is unknown whether porcelain gallbladder increases the risks of related cancer as of 2014.