Gallbladder carcinoid masquerading as gallbladder carcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Carcinoid of the gallbladder is rare. Since it often presents as a gallbladder mass it may be confused with gallbladder carcinoma. METHODS: A 35-year-old lady presented with pain in the right upper abdomen, and was radiologically found to have a gallbladder mass. A provisional diagnosis of gaUbladder carcinoma was made. Laparotomy revealed a 20x20 cm, exophytic, friable growth arising from the fundus of the gaUbladder. It was excised with segment IVb and V of the liver and regional lymphadenectomy. RESULT: Histopathological examination revealed it was a neuroendocrine carcinoma, atypical carcinoid of the gaUbladder. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder carcinoid has a poor outcome, requires aggressive treatment, and should be considered as one of the rare but possible gallbladder lesions. © 2009, Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int. All rights reserved.