Gallbladder carcinoid: a case report

Abstract

Carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumours that rarely originate in the biliary tract. We report a case of gallbladder carcinoid associated with cholelithiasis extending to hepatic segments IV and V. The mass was detected by ultrasound in a 71-year-old-man investigated for recurrent right upper quadrant pain irradiating to the back and associated with dyspepsia. Cholecystectomy, locoregional lymphadenectomy and 4th and 5th hepatic segment resection were performed. The patient underwent chemotherapy and was also treated with somatostatin analogues. Despite this, he died after 12 months. We stress the rarity and aggressive behaviour of gallbladder carcinoid.