If you know anything about gallbladder disease, you may be aware already that there are different types but many people don't know this. In fact, many people don't even understand what the gallbladder is or what it does. The most common type of gallbladder problem is gallstones. Chances are you've heard of someone or knew someone with gallstones or even had them yourself. There are two different types of gallstones: Cholesterol stones Pigment stones Four out of five people with gallstones have cholesterol stones. This occurs when you get too much cholesterol in your gallbladder. The extra cholesterol causes a problem because it hardens into greenish-yellow or white pebbles. Some people have one large stone and others will experience multiple smaller stones. In fact, some gallstones can be as fine as a grain of sand. Pigment stones are different from cholesterol stones but can cause the same problems. This type of stone happens when red blood cells break down in the body. The small, dark stone of a pigment stone is made from bilirubin which is part of the bile that is stored in the gallbladder. It is also possible for a person to have both types of stones at the same time or a combination of both types. But gallstones are not the only problems that can occur with the gallbladder. Another problem is gallbladder infection. A gallbladder "attack" is another problem and this occurs when the gallbladder becomes inflamed. This can cause pain in the upper right side of the chest and sometimes between the shoulder blades. While it's not really considered a disease in itself, it is an indication that something else could be wrong with the bladder. Another type of gallbladder disease is gallbladder cancer. This is a cancer that starts in either the gallbladder itself or the bile duct. This is a relatively uncommon type of cancer and is usually treated by just removing the gallbladder. If you suspect that you have some type of gallbladder disease or if your doctor has recently diagnosed you with gallbladder disease, it's important to learn as much as you can about your type and possible treatment options. Your doctor can help you understand your type of gallbladder disease and what can be done about it. Ask a question or share your experiences regarding gallbladder health by visiting the Gallbladder Health Blog.