Medically reviewed by Edward Tavel, MD, Medical Director · Last reviewed 22 August 2026
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder, the small pear-shaped organ beneath the liver that stores bile to help digest fat. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball, and a person may have one stone or many. Gallstones are very common — they are present in a sizable portion of adults, and the chance of having them rises with age. Reassuringly, most gallstones cause no trouble at all. Many people have so-called “silent” stones that never produce symptoms and are simply discovered by chance during imaging done for another reason.
Symptoms tend to appear only when a stone temporarily blocks a duct that carries bile. This can cause a steady, often intense pain in the upper-right or center of the abdomen, sometimes spreading to the back or right shoulder — a pattern known as biliary colic. Nausea, vomiting, or pain after fatty meals can accompany it. Gallstones form when bile contains too much cholesterol or other substances that crystallize; risk factors include older age, female sex, pregnancy, certain genetic and dietary patterns, rapid weight loss, and some medical conditions. Ultrasound is usually the first imaging test because it is quick, widely available, and good at spotting stones in the gallbladder itself.
Where MRI adds value is in seeing the ducts. A specialized MRI sequence called MRCP — magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography — produces detailed images of the bile and pancreatic ducts without radiation and without the need for contrast dye. That makes it especially useful when a stone may have slipped into a duct or when ultrasound leaves questions unanswered. As part of a whole-body MRI, this kind of imaging can reveal gallstones incidentally and provide a clear baseline. To learn more, see the conditions a whole-body scan can detect, explore the Whole Body MRI Scan in Charleston, or read how we explain incidental findings on an MRI.
Frequently asked questions
Are gallstones dangerous?
Most are not. Silent gallstones that cause no symptoms often need no treatment at all. Stones become a concern mainly when they block a duct and cause pain, inflammation, or other complications, which is when medical care is warranted.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Many people have none. When symptoms occur, the classic one is biliary colic — a steady, sometimes intense pain in the upper-right or central abdomen, occasionally radiating to the back or shoulder, sometimes with nausea, often after a fatty meal.
What is an MRCP?
MRCP stands for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. It is an MRI sequence that creates detailed pictures of the bile and pancreatic ducts without radiation or contrast dye, making it a helpful, non-invasive way to look for stones within the ducts.
Do gallstones always need surgery?
No. Stones that cause no symptoms are usually just monitored. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is most often considered when stones cause recurring pain or complications. The right approach depends on your symptoms and overall health.
How are gallstones found?
Ultrasound is the usual first test and detects most stones in the gallbladder. MRCP adds detail about the ducts, and gallstones are also sometimes found incidentally during a whole-body MRI performed for other reasons.
Sources
A whole-body MRI at MRI Wellness looks at the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis in a single session, without radiation or contrast dye. No referral is needed.
