Ultrasonography of carcinoma of the gallbladder: an analysis of 80 cases

Abstract

Eighty patients with primary carcinoma of the gallbladder were studied by ultrasonography. Two broad groups were defined. In group I (72.5%), the gallbladder lumen was identified along with a mass lesion, and in group II (27.5%), a large mass totally replacing the gallbladder was seen. Group I was further categorized into three subtypes according to the morphology of the lesion: type 1--a mass almost filling the lumen; type 2--a polypoidal mass projecting into the lumen; and type 3--an infiltrating mass. Associated findings of infiltration of the liver, presence of calculi, biliary tree obstruction, liver metastasis, and lymphadenopathy further supported the diagnosis. Ultrasonography was found to be highly reliable in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the gallbladder. In addition, it provided guidance for biopsy/aspiration of nonpalpable tumors. Its shortcomings appear to be its inability to assess peritoneal and bowel involvement, as well as that of the omentum and posterior rectus sheath.