Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the gallbladder is exceedingly rare. Only a few studies of pure gallbladder LCNEC without other histologic components have been reported in the literature. Therefore, this condition's biological behavior, appropriate treatment modalities, and overall patient prognosis remain largely unclear. In this report, we present a case involving resected pure gallbladder LCNEC. Additionally, we review relevant literature on LCNEC and discuss the clinical management of LCNEC, including histopathologic features. An 86-year-old woman presented with a gallbladder tumor that measured 25 mm on the body of the gallbladder that was incidentally detected by abdominal ultrasonography. The diagnosis of pure LCNEC without other histologic components was immunohistochemically confirmed after radical cholecystectomy and lymph node dissection in the hepatoduodenal ligament. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no evidence of recurrence or metastasis was observed after 6 months of follow-up. We reviewed 9 case reports describing pure LCNEC of the gallbladder, including the present case. Clinical symptoms and radiologic findings for pure LCNEC were nonspecific. The overall prognosis was poor, but early detection with complete resection might result in a relatively good prognosis.