Carcinoma of the gallbladder: Role of sonography in diagnosis and staging

Abstract

Purpose. In an attempt to define the sonographic characteristics of gallbladder cancer, we retrospectively analyzed the sonographic findings in 203 cases of gallbladder cancer confirmed by cytology or histopathology. Patients and Methods. Patients with proven gallbladder cancer presenting to a single surgical unit between 1991 and 1995 were identified through a records search. All patients underwent sonographic examination followed by fine- needle aspiration (FNA), biopsy, or laparotomy for establishing the diagnosis. Results. A mass in the gallbladder and gallbladder wall thickening (> 12 mm) were cardinal sonographic findings of carcinoma. Liver infiltration was correctly identified in all patients who had it. Sonography was highly accurate for detecting mass lesions, gallstones, liver infiltration, metastasis, and ascites. However, visualization of lymph nodes, common bile duct infiltration, and peritoneal dissemination was poor. Conclusions. Sonography was found to be a good diagnostic tool for carcinoma of the gallbladder; however, its sensitivity was poor for staging nodal spread of the disease. (C) 2000 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.