Korean J Med.  2019 Aug;94(4):371-374. 10.3904/kjm.2019.94.4.371.

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Biopsy

• Heo WG
• Chon HK
• Choi KH
• Kim TH

• KMID: 2454681
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2019.94.4.371

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder (GB) is uncommon and often presents at an advanced stage; therefore, it is associated with more aggressive behavior and a worse prognosis than those of adenocarcinoma. Herein, we report the case of an 82-year-old woman presenting a weight loss of 5 kg and epigastric discomfort over the previous 3 months. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed an infiltrative mass in the GB with hepatic invasion. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy using a 20-G core needle was performed, and the pathological examination revealed keratin pearls and an intracellular bridge, which are characteristics of squamous cell differentiation consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy was useful for obtaining an accurate histological diagnosis of GB masses without the need for surgery.

Keyword

Carcinoma, Squamous cell; Gallbladder; Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma
Aged, 80 and over
Biopsy, Fine-Needle*
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell*
Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance
Diagnosis
Epithelial Cells*
Female
Gallbladder*
Humans
Needles
Prognosis
Weight Loss