Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder: a rare entity.

Lei Vei ONN and Vui Heng CHONG

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, RIPAS Hospital, Brunei Darussalam

ABSTRACT

Gallbladder carcinoma is a relatively uncommon cancer and adenocarcinomas make up for most common histological type. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) variant is considered uncommon and accounts for 0.3-1% of cases. We report a case of primary SCC of in an elderly lady whose only risk factor was gallstones. She presented with increasing abdominal discomfort that was associated with nausea and vomiting. Imaging revealed the tumour to have infiltrated the abdominal wall and right hepatic flexure of the colon. The patient died within two months of diagnosis.

Keywords: Gallbladder neoplasm, squamous cell carcinoma, cholelithiasis, gallstones disease

Correspondence author: Vui Heng CHONG, Department of Medicine, RIPAS Hospital,  Bandar Seri Begawan BA 1710, Brunei Darussalam.

Tel: +673 2242424 Ext 5233, Fax: +673 2242690

E mail: chongvuih@yahoo.co.uk

Brunei Int Med J. 2014; 10 (2): 116-118