Cholelithiasis is characterized by:

Cholelithiasis refers specifically to the presence of solid stones, known as gallstones, formed in the gallbladder or the bile duct. These stones are primarily composed of cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium salts, and their formation is influenced by factors like bile composition and gallbladder motility. When gallstones exist in the gallbladder, they may not always cause symptoms, but they can lead to complications such as inflammation or blockage if they migrate into the bile duct. Therefore, identifying cholelithiasis with respect to its characterization as stones in these structures is key to understanding this condition and its implications for digestive health.

The other options encompass different medical conditions unrelated to cholelithiasis; for instance, solid stones in the kidney pertain to nephrolithiasis, while inflammation of the gallbladder is known as cholecystitis, and solid tumors in the liver refer to hepatic neoplasms. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and treatment approaches that diverge from the definition of cholelithiasis.