Mass-forming Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis Masquerading as Invasive Gallbladder Cancer with a False-positive Result on PET Leading to Extensive Surgical Resection

Abstract

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation of gallbladder wall can extend and infiltrate adjacent organs which can be mistaken for malignancy on preoperative investigations and, intraoperatively, often leads to extensive surgical resections. Only the histopathologic examination of the specimen allows correct diagnosis. We hereby review clinicopathologic findings of a case which underwent extensive surgeries on clinical, radiological and intraoperative suspicion of gallbladder carcinoma which turned out to be xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis.