Carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder: report of two cases

Surg Today. 2012 Jul;42(7):670-5. doi: 10.1007/s00595-012-0160-6. Epub 2012 Mar 6.

Abstract

Adenocarcinoma is the predominant histological type of carcinoma of the gallbladder, accounting for more than 80% of all gallbladder carcinomas. In contrast, carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder is an extremely atypical subset of gallbladder malignancies. It is characterized by the presence of both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Currently, fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the English literature. Therefore, knowledge and experience regarding this disease are limited. Recently, we experienced two cases of gallbladder carcinosarcoma, which were diagnosed as gallbladder carcinoma based on the preoperative clinical and radiological examinations. Cholecystectomies were performed in both cases, and the malignant tumor cells included carcinomatous and sarcomatous components histologically. The final pathological diagnoses were carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder. We herein report these two cases of gallbladder carcinosarcoma and review the previous pertinent literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Carcinosarcoma / pathology
  • Carcinosarcoma / surgery
  • Cholecystectomy
  • Female
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / pathology
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery
  • Lymph Node Excision
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness