A Large Carcinosarcoma of the Gallbladder Accompanied by Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction: A Case with a Six-year Survival

Intern Med. 2019 Oct 1;58(19):2809-2817. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2783-19. Epub 2019 Jun 27.

Abstract

Pancreatobiliary maljunction (PBM) is a rare congenital malformation, often associated with adenocarcinoma. However, PBM accompanying gallbladder carcinosarcoma has rarely been reported. A 72-year-old woman was referred to our hospital, complaining of abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed a polypoid mass in the gallbladder. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed PBM, and aspirated bile demonstrated elevated levels of pancreatic-type amylase (26,780 U/L) and cancer cells. Extended cholecystectomy was performed. Histologically, the tumor had adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and sarcoma components. Despite the large tumor size (84 mm) and intra-vessel cancer permeations, this patient has been healthy for 73 months since the surgery.

Keywords: carcinosarcoma; gallbladder; pancreatobiliary maljunction; prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinosarcoma / complications
  • Carcinosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / methods
  • Cholecystectomy / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / complications
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Laparotomy / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction / complications*
  • Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction / diagnosis
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography