Malignant Gallbladder Research Articles

Routine histopathology of gallbladder after elective cholecystectomy for gallstones: waste of resources or a justified act?

BackgroundSelective approach for sending cholecystectomy specimens for histopathology results in missing discrete pathologies such as premalignant benign lesions such as porcelain gallbladder, carcinoma-in-situ, and early carcinomas. To avoid such blunders therefore, every cholecystectomy specimen should be routinely examined histologically. Unfortunately, the practice of discarding gallbladder specimen is standard in most tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan including the primary investigators’ own institution. This study was conducted to assess the feasibility or otherwise of performing histopathology in every specimen of gallbladder.MethodsThis cohort study included 220 patients with gallstones for cholecystectomy. All cases with known secondaries from gallbladder, local invasion from other viscera, traumatic rupture of gallbladder, gross malignancy of gallbladder found during surgery was excluded from the study. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in majority of cases except in those cases where anatomical distortion and dense adhesions prevented laparoscopy. All gallbladder specimens were sent for histopathology, irrespective of their gross appearance.ResultsOver a period of two years, 220 patients with symptomatic gallstones were admitted for cholecystectomy. Most of the patients were females (88%). Ninety two per cent patients presented with upper abdominal pain of varying duration. All specimens were sent for histopathology. Two hundred and three of the specimens showed evidence chronic cholecystitis, 7 acute cholecystitis with mucocele, 3 acute cholecystitis with empyema and one chronic cholecystitis associated with poly. Six gallbladders (2.8%) showed adenocarcinoma of varying differentiation along with cholelithiasis.ConclusionThe histopathological spectrum of gallbladder is extremely variable. Incidental diagnosis of carcinoma gall bladder is not rare; if the protocol of routine histopathology of all gallbladder specimens is not followed, subclinical malignancies would fail to be identified with disastrous results. We strongly recommend routine histopathology of all cholecystectomy specimens.

Histological assessment of cholecystectomy specimens performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis: routine or selective?

Traditionally, all cholecystectomy specimens resected for symptomatic cholelithiasis were sent for histological evaluation. The objectives of such evaluation are to confirm the clinicoradiological diagnosis, identification of unsuspected findings including incidental gallbladder malignancy, audit and research purposes, and quality control issues. Currently, there is a developing trend to consider selective histological evaluation of surgical specimens removed for clinically benign disease. This article discusses the need for routine or selective histopathological evaluation of gallbladder specimens following cholecystectomy. Although several retrospective studies have suggested selective histological evaluation of cholecystectomy specimens performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis, the evidence is not adequate at present to recommend selective histological evaluation globally. However, it may be appropriate to consider selective histological evaluation on a regional basis in areas of extremely low incidence of gallbladder cancer only after unanimous agreement between the governing bodies of surgical and histopathological expertise.

English

OBJECTIVE- To determine the prevalence of carcinoma of the gallbladder in the specimens following routine cholecystectomy. STUDY DESIGN- Observational case series study Place & Duration of study- Department of Surgery, Rama Medical college Hospital and Research center, from April 2009 to March 2013. MATERIALS AND METHOD-All patients with symptomatic gallstone disease of both sex having age range between 15 to 70 year were included. Patients with pre diagnosed Gallbladder malignancy, Gallbladder mass, Empyema Gallbladder and Gallstones associated with obstructive jaundice were excluded. All cholecystectomized gall bladder specimens were sent for histopathological examination. RESULTS-Five hundred and twenty patients (520) including 104 males and 416females (M: F ratio 1:4) aged15-70 year and having a mean age of 41.7 year (± SD 2.4), were included in this retrospective study. Commonest presentations were pain in the right hypochondrium and a positive Murphy's sign (87.71%) followed by dyspepsia (55%), nausea, vomiting (40%), pyrexia (31.92%) and weight loss (05%). Twenty two (4.23%) patients had a diagnosis of malignancy of gallbladder at histopathology examination. Mean age for patients with malignancy was 55.25 year with a male to female ratio of 01:10. Well differentiated adenocarcinoma was reported in 45.45% cases, moderately differentiated in 36.36%, poorly differentiated in 09.09% and undifferentiated in 09.09%patients CONCLUSION-Though early detection and treatment has declined the incidental Gall Bladder carcinoma occurrence, but routine histopathology of cholecystectomized Gall Bladder is necessary for early detection of Gall Bladder Cancer. KEY WORDS-Cholecystectomy, Gallstones, Histopathology.

Cyclin D1, Retinoblastoma and p16 Protein Expression in Carcinoma of the Gallbladder

Cancer of the gallbladder is a relatively rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis. The exact mechanisms of its genesis are not known and very little information is available on molecular events leading to labeling this as an orphan cancer. In this prospective case control study we evaluated the expression of p16, pRb and cyclin D1 by immunohistochemistry to study the G1-S cell-cycle check point and its possible role in gallbladder carcinogenesis. A total of 25 patients with gallbladder carcinoma (group I), 25 with cholelithiasis (group II) and 10 normal controls. were enrolled. Cyclin D1 expression was seen in 10 (40%) patients each with carcinoma and cholelithiasis while only in 2 (20%) of the normal gallbladders but differences were not statistically significant (p value=0.488). p16 was expressed in 12% patients of carcinoma of the gallbladder and 28% of cholelithiasis, however this difference was not statistically significant (p value=0.095). Retinoblastoma protein was found to be expressed in 50% of normal gallbladders and 6 (24%) of carcinoma and 8 (32%) of gallstones. The present study failed to demonstrate any conclusive role of cyclin D1/RB/ p16 pathway in carcinoma of the gallbladder. The positive relation observed between tumor metastasis and cyclinD1 expression and p16 with nodal metastasis suggested that higher cyclin D1/p16 expression may act as a predictive biomarker for aggressive behavior of gallbladder malignancies.

Utility of contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS in the diagnosis of malignant gallbladder polyps (with videos)

The differential diagnosis between benign and malignant polyps of the gallbladder (GB) is often challenging. To evaluate whether contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CEH-EUS) might be an accurate method for discriminating malignant GB polyps from benign polyps. Observational study. Tertiary care medical center. Ninety-three patients with GB polyps larger than 10 mm in diameter that were detected by conventional EUS underwent CEH-EUS for evaluation of microvasculature. CEH-EUS was performed using a radial echoendoscope and the extended pure harmonic detection mode. The abilities of conventional EUS and CEH-EUS to diagnose malignant polyp were compared. Two blinded reviewers classified the perfusion images into 3 categories: diffuse enhancement, perfusion defect, or nonenhancement. The vessel images were categorized as having a regular spotty vessel, an irregular vessel, or no vessels. An irregular vessel pattern determined by CEH-EUS aided in the diagnosis of malignant polyps with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 96.6%, respectively. The presence of perfusion defects, determined by CEH-EUS, was calculated to diagnose malignant polyps with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 94.9%, respectively. Based on the definitely determined diagnosis, sensitivity and specificity for CEH-EUS were 93.5% and 93.2% versus 90.0% and 91.1% for conventional EUS. In 8 cases, management changed after CEH-EUS. A tertiary medical center with a limited number of patients. The presence of irregular intratumoral vessels or perfusion defects seen on CEH-EUS may be sensitive and accurate predictors of malignant GB polyps. CEH-EUS offers slightly improved diagnostic accuracy compared with EUS.

Su1369 Clinical Usefulness of Bile Cytology Obtained by Transpapillary Catheterization of the Gallbladder Followed by Rubbing With a Guidewire for Gallbladder Wall Thickening

Although gallbladder (GB) diseases have been increasingly detected with the widespread use of ultrasonography, MRI, and multi-detector-row CT, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish malignant GB diseases from benign ones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of bile cytology obtained by endoscopic transpapillary catheterization of the gallbladder (ETCG) followed by rubbing the lesion with a guidewire for GB wall thickening.

Gallbladder carcinosarcoma accompanied with bile duct tumor thrombi: A case report

Gallbladder carcinosarcoma is one of the rarest subsets of gallbladder malignancies. The first case of carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder was reported in 1907. To date, <100 cases have been reported in the English literature. The present study reports a case of gallbladder carcinosarcoma accompanied with tumor thrombi, presenting as a soft tissue mass in the common bile duct and resulting in the obstruction and inflammation of the biliary tract. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with a gallbladder tumor and choledocholithiasis. No cases of carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder accompanied with bile duct tumor thrombus formation have been reported to date. A cholecystectomy with liver segmentectomy (S4a+S5) and a lymph node dissection were performed. The presence of a tumor thrombus in the common bile duct was confirmed by analysis of a frozen section during surgery. Resection of the extrahepatic bile duct and Roux-en-Y type hepatic cholangiojejunostomy were also performed. In addition, the gallbladder carcinosarcoma was observed to produce α-fetoprotein. The patient underwent an uneventful post-operative recovery and, to date, no clinical or radiological evidence of disease recurrence or metastasis has been identified. Carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder accompanied with tumor thrombi is extremely rare. Tumor thrombi in the common bile duct may easily be misdiagnosed as choledocholithiasis. The treatment and prognosis of gallbladder carcinosarcoma is similar to that of gallbladder carcinoma.

The role of diffusion-weighted examination in non-polyploid gallbladder malignancies: A preliminary study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in gallbladder malignancies, which are typically diagnosed during surgery because the radiologic findings are similar to those of cholecystitis-caused diffuse thickening of the gallbladder wall. Seven patients with gallbladder malignancies and nine patients with benign gallbladder pathology were included in this study. In one of the patients with a malignancy, a lesion was determined on the porcelain gallbladder; in another patient, acute myeloblastic leukemia had infiltrated the gallbladder, causing the diffuse wall thickening. Five subjects had a primary malignant gallbladder. The view of the bladder wall was evaluated visually in increasing b values. Apparent diffusion coefficient measurements were obtained from at least three sites of the bladder wall in each patient, and the results of the measurements were analyzed after comparing the malignant and benign groups. In the malignant group, the results of the radiological outcomes were compared with histological examinations. In the benign group, cholecystitis was diagnosed by observing normalization of the bladder wall thickening via surgery or medical treatment. There was a statistically significant difference in apparent diffusion coefficient levels between the malignant group, which caused diffuse thickening of the gallbladder wall, and the benign group (Student t test, p<0.01). According to this preliminary study, observation of distinct brightness of the gallbladder wall in diffusion-weighted examination with a high b value is a significant finding in terms of diffuse gallbladder malignancy. A value below the 0.86 mm 2 /sn cut-off was significant for malignancy in apparent diffusion coefficient mapping.

Intense FDG Activity in a Case of Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis Without Elevated Fluorothymidine Activity

F-FDG PET/CT is a useful imaging modality to detect malignant gall bladder lesions. We present an image of a patient with a gall bladder mass that was found to be FDG avid but negative on F-fluorothymidine PET/CT imaging. This was later confirmed to be a case of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis.

Correlation of S1P1 and ERp29 expression to progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis of gallbladder adenocarcinoma

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the most aggressive malignant neoplasms with an extremely poor prognosis. Early diagnosis significantly increases the survival rate. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) and endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERp29) in benign and malignant gallbladder lesions and to develop a possible alternative treatment for GBC. A total of 100 gallbladder adenocarcinoma, 46 peritumoral, 30 gallbladder adenomatous, 15 gallbladder polyp, and 35 chronic cholecystitis tissues were included. S1P1 and ERp29 expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between S1P1 and ERp29 expression and tumor pathological features and prognosis was analyzed. S1P1 positive rate was significantly higher in gallbladder adenocarcinomas than that in peritumoral, adenomatous, polyp, and chronic cholecystitis tissues. On the contrary, ERp29 positive rate was significantly lower in adenocarcinomas than that in peritumoral, adenomatous, polyp, and chronic cholecystitis tissues. Benign lesions with positive S1P1 or negative ERp29 expression showed moderate or severe atypical hyperplasia in the gallbladder epithelium. The overexpression of S1P1 or non-expression of ERp29 was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, tumor mass, lymph node metastasis, and adenocarcinoma invasion. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the elevated S1P1 (P=0.008) or absence of ERp29 (P=0.043) was closely associated with decreased survival rate. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that S1P1 positive (P=0.004) or ERp29 negative (P=0.029) was an independent predictor of poor prognosis in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. S1P1 overexpression or ERp29 absence is related to the carcinogenesis and progression, and may be potential biomarkers for early detection of gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Association of BDNF and BMPR1A with clinicopathologic parameters in benign and malignant gallbladder lesions

BackgroundNeurotrophic factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are synthesized in a variety of neural and non-neuronal cell types and regulate survival, proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) inhibit the proliferation of pulmonary large carcinoma cells bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type IA (BMPR1A). Little is known about the expression of BDNF or BMPR1A in malignant gall bladder lesions. This study was to evaluate BDNF and BMPR1A expression and evaluate the clinicopathological significance in benign and malignant lesions of the gallbladder.MethodsThe BDNF and BMPR1A expression of gallbladder adenocarcinoma, peritumoral tissues, adenoma, polyp and chronic cholecystitis were Immunohistochemically determined.ResultsBDNF expression was significantly higher in gallbladder adenocarcinoma than in peritumoral tissues, adenoma, polyps and chronic cholecystitis samples. However, BMPR1A expression was significantly lower in gallbladder adenocarcinoma than in peritumoral tissues, adenomas, polyps and chronic cholecystitis tissues. The specimens with increased expression of BDNF in the benign lesions exhibited moderate- or severe-dysplasia of gallbladder epithelium. BDNF expression was significantly lower in well-differentiated adenocarcinomas with maximum tumor diameter <2 cm, no metastasis to lymph nodes, and no invasion of regional tissues compared to poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas with maximal tumor diameter >2 cm, metastasis of lymph node, and invasiveness of regional tissues in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. BMPR1A expression were significantly higher in the well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with maximal tumor diameter <2 cm, no metastasis of lymph node, and no invasion of regional tissues compared to poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas with maximal tumor diameter >2 cm, metastasis of lymph node, and invasiveness of regional tissues in gallbladder. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated increased expression of BDNF or decreased expression of BMPR1A was associated with decreased disease specific survival (DSS) rates. Similarly, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed increased expression of BDNF or decreased expression of BMPR1A are independent predictors of poor DSS rates in gallbladder adenocarcinoma.ConclusionsIn gallbladder malignancies, the increased expression of BDNF and decreased expression of BMPR1A were associated with increased risk of metastasis, regional invasion and mortality. They might serve as novel indicators of gallbladder adenocarcinoma outcomes, which may prove valuable for the development of personalized therapeutic paradigms.

Chronic cholecystitis with hilar bile duct stricture mimicking gallbladder carcinoma on positron emission tomography: A case report

Thickening of the gallbladder wall is observed in patients with gallbladder carcinoma, as well as in those with chronic cholecystitis. It is difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant gallbladder wall thickening with conventional diagnostic imaging techniques, such as abdominal ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly in patients with bile duct strictures. Currently, the fluorine-18 2-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (F-18 FDG PET/CT) scan is widely used in the differentiation of cholecystitis from gallbladder carcinoma. However, the F-18 FDG PET/CT scan may also be responsible for false-positive diagnosis. This case report focuses on a 74-year-old male who presented with thickening of the gallbladder wall and hilar bile duct stricture, originally misdiagnosed as gallbladder carcinoma by US and MRI. F-18 FDG PET/CT also demonstrated increased activity. This case was ultimately proven to be chronic cholecystitis by postoperative pathological examination and it is presented in order to emphasize the significance of considering the possibility of false-positive diagnosis by PET/CT, as a result of inflammatory lesions. Therefore, PET/CT should not be considered the gold standard for the discrimination between benign and malignant gallbladder wall thickening.

Gallbladder carcinoma in a pregnant patient with Crohn's disease complicated with gallbladder involvement

Primary gallbladder (GB) carcinoma and Crohn's disease (CD) of the GB are individually rare. We present a case of a pregnant woman with CD found to have GB involvement and primary GB carcinoma. A 34-year-old female at 6 wk gestation with a 21 year history of CD of uncertain extent presented with 3 mo of diarrhea, urgency and abdominal pain. During work-up, she was found to have elevated transaminases and an abnormal alkaline phosphatase. Imaging revealed two gallbladder polyps both greater than 1 cm in size. Resection and histological evaluation was consistent with Crohn's involvement of the GB, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the GB with invasion through the muscularis propria and matted lymph nodes in the porta hepatis positive for metastatic carcinoma (stage pT2N1). Six cases of CD involving the GB, two cases of primary GB carcinoma in CD, and ten cases of cholangiocarcinoma in pregnancy have been published. This is the only case that describes all three factors. Common features in CD of the GB include acute cholecystitis, ileal involvement, and presence independent of active intestinal disease. Common features in CD patients with GB malignancy include younger age of detection, a long history of CD, extensive colonic and ileal involvement of disease, the absence of cholelithiasis, and pre-existing gallbladder disease (primary sclerosing cholangitis and gallbladder polyps). Pregnancy is specific to this case. The role of CD in the development of GB malignancy is not well understood nor is the contribution of pregnancy to the spread of disease. Chronic inflammation and immunosuppression compounded by hormonal influence is implicated.

Incidental Gall Bladder Carcinoma in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Report of 6 Cases and a Review of the Literature

Gall bladder carcinoma accounts for 98% of all the gall bladder malignancies and it is the sixth most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract worldwide. The incidence of incidental gall bladder carcinoma which is diagnosed during or after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reported to be around 0.19-3.3% in the literature. This study was aimed at detecting the incidence of gall bladder carcinomas which were diagnosed incidentally during or after laparoscopic cholecystectomies which were done for gall stone disease and cholecystitis. We analyzed the medical records of patients with symptomatic gallstone disease and acute or chronic cholecystitis, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomies at the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Centenary Hospital during the period from January 2007 to June 2012. A total of 622 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed at our institute during the study period of five and a half years. In 6 (0.96%) cases, incidental carcinomas of the gallbladder were discovered. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is performed for benign gall bladder disease rarely results in a diagnosis of unexpected gallbladder cancer. The microscopic examination of the specimens, with special attention to the depth of invasion, range of the mucosal spread and the lymphovascular involvement, is critical in diagnosing the incidental malignancies as well as for the subsequent management of the cases.

Gallbladder carcinoma with skeletal metastasis in a Nigerian woman: A Case report and review of literature

To present a case of skeletal metastasis from a gallbladder malignancy, a rare occurrence. A 75 year old Nigerian woman presented in the surgical outpatient clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with a two month history of right hypochondrial pain and three weeks swelling on the forehead. Physical examination revealed an ill looking, emaciated elderly woman in mild painful distress. She was pale, afebrile and anicteric. Skull x-ray revealed a well circumscribed soft tissue mass over a lytic bone defect in the frontal region. Abdominal ultrasound scan showed an enlarged gallbladder with a thickened wall and intraluminal echogenic mass, surrounding lymphadenopathy and intrahepatic metastasis. Radiological diagnosis of advanced gallbladder carcinoma with both local and distant metastases was made. Carcinoma of the gallbladder with skeletal metastasis is a rare finding. However, in any patient with gallbladder malignancy distant metastasis with skeletal involvement should be sought.

Selective Laparoscopic Approach in Suspected Gallbladder Malignancy

We examined patients with clinical findings that are concerning for gallbladder malignancy to determine the incidence of pathology-confirmed malignancy and to discover factors that may be used to determine which patients may be initially treated with a laparoscopic approach. All patients referred to a surgical oncologist with preoperative findings that are concerning for gallbladder malignancy who had not undergone previous surgical resection from 2005 to 2011 were reviewed. Variables collected included demographics, imaging, operative findings, and final pathology. Patients were grouped into 3 categories based on preoperative findings: gallbladder mass, irregular wall thickening, and abnormal intraoperative findings on previous diagnostic laparoscopy. Twenty-nine of 4474 patients evaluated for gallbladder pathology during the study period met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative imaging included computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Twelve patients had multiple imaging studies. Eight patients were initially treated with a laparoscopic approach with 3 conversions to an open procedure. Forty-eight percent of patients had pathology-confirmed malignancy. Patients without a discrete mass on imaging were more likely to have benign disease (P = .04). Our results demonstrate that >50% of patients with suspicious preoperative findings had benign pathology, suggesting that the initial laparoscopic approach in selected patients may be appropriate.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: Challenges in management &amp; Feasibility of laparoscopic surgery

Objective : Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare, unusual and destructive form of chronic cholecystitis. It is clinically indistinguishable from other forms of cholecystitis and hence difficult to diagnose. Due to its propensity to form dense adhesions with stuctures surrounding the gall bladder and mimic malignancy of gall bladder intra-operatively, it's difficult to manage. This retrospective study was conducted with the aim to review the clinico-pathologic presentation of XGC and the possibility of its laparoscopic management. Patient and methods : All cases of histo-pathologically diagnosed XGC from January 2008 to December 2012 at Sharda Hospital, School of Medical Sciences & Research, Greater Noida were analyzed retrospectively. Results : Sixty two cases of biopsy proved XGC were studied.The mean age at presentation was 56.4 ± 14.3 years (range 30 - 72 years), with a male: female ratio of 1.6:1. Gall bladder wall thickening on ultrasonography was seen in 91.9% cases and all (100%) had cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was possible in 18 (29%) cases, with a high conversion rate of 71% to open surgery. Two cases of carcinoma gall bladder accompanying XGC were documented. Both the mean operative time and hospital stay for laparoscopic surgery were longer for cases with XGC (105 minutes & 4.2 days respectively). No mortality occurred during the study period. Conclusion : XGC is difficult to diagnose preoperatively due to lack of distinguishing clinical features and imaging study results. Due to dense peri-cholecystic adhesions laparoscopic surgery though feasible in some cases is difficult to perform with a high conversion rate. Overall morbidity is also increased due to same reasons.

Gall bladder carcinoma presenting with spinal metastasis: A rare phenomenon

Skeletal metastasis as a primary presentation of gall bladder carcinoma is rare. A 50-year-old lady presented with neck pain and weakness in her right upper limb of 3 months duration. Clinical and imaging work-up suggested locally advanced gall bladder carcinoma with metastasis to cervical vertebra and sternum. Only one case till date has been reported where the patient presented with neurological symptoms due to pathological fracture secondary to metastasis from an occult gall bladder carcinoma. Although rare, an occult gall bladder cancer may present with neurological symptoms due to pathological fracture of spine secondary to metastasis. We present a brief review of literature of patients who presented with skeletal metastases in clinically silent gall bladder malignancy. Palliative care issues in advanced gall bladder carcinoma have also been discussed.

Spectrum of histopathological lesions in cholecystectomy specimens: A study of 360 cases at a teaching hospital in South Delhi

Background: Gallstone disease is a common surgical problem requiring cholecystectomy. It is known to produce diverse histopathological changes in the gallbladder ranging from acute or chronic inflammation to metaplasias and even malignancies. The aim of this study was to emphasize the importance of a detailed microscopic examination and to study the diverse range of histopathological lesions in cholecystectomy specimens. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 360 cholecystectomy specimens received in the Department of Pathology over a period of 2 years from November 2010 to October 2012. Clinical details and histopathological data were retrieved from the records. The variety of morphological changes in the diseased gall bladder were correlated with the clinical findings. Results: Overall, there were 360 cases consisting of 74 (21%) males and 286 (79%) females. Maximum number of patients was between 31 and 40 years (30.2%). Most common pathology noted in our study was chronic cholecystitis seen in 280 cases (77.7%). Other benign lesions were cholesterosis in 36 (10%) and acute cholecystitis in 10 (2.7%). Various other associated lesions and variants of cholecystitis were also encountered. A total of nine malignant lesions of gallbladder were observed, which included eight cases of incidental adenocarcinomas and one case showing lymphomatous involvement.Conclusion: Our study emphasizes that a routine cholecystectomy performed for a common condition like gallstone disease can result in a diverse and wide spectrum of histopathological lesions ranging from benign diagnosis to an unexpected gallbladder malignancy.

Carcinosarcoma of the Gallbladder: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A carcinosarcoma is a rare type of gallbladder malignancy, the diagnosis of which requires the presence of both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. The prognosis of this disease is extremely poor because it normally presents at advanced stages.We are reporting a case of carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder in a 45 year-old woman who was treated by cholecystectomy, as the tumour was confined to the gall bladder only.