Cytologic diagnosis of gallbladder lesions — A study of 150 cases

Abstract

Aims and objectives Gallbladder (GB) carcinoma is among the five most common forms of gastrointestinal cancers and the diagnosis is usually made when the carcinoma is already in an advanced stage. The aim of this study was to assess the application of ultrasound (US) guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) in diagnosing GB carcinoma. Material and methodsThe present study was carried out on 150 patients suspected to have GB carcinoma on ultrasonography. US-guided FNA from GB was done in these patients and FNA of the other organs was simultaneously done in 20 patients. Histopathology of the GB was available in 14 cases.Results Ultrasonography in these patients revealed mass/ thickening of the wall of GB in 140 (93.3%) cases and nonspecific US findings in 10 (6.7%). Out of the 140 cases malignancy was cytologically diagnosed in 105 (75%) cases while 12 (8.5%) cases were inflammatory and 23 (16.5%) were inconclusive. Adenocarcinoma was the most common morphologic type. Metastatic tumor deposits were noted in FNA from space occupying lesions of the liver in 12 cases, abdominal lymph nodes in 5 cases, and 1 case each of supraclavicular lymph node, stomach and bilateral ovaries. Of the 10 cases with non-specific US findings, 3 had carcinoma and 7 were inconclusive on cytologic examination.Conclusion US guided FNA provides a rapid and reliable diagnosis in cases of GB carcinoma.

Spectrum of gallbladder malignancies on fine‐needle aspiration cytology: 5 years retrospective single institutional study with emphasis on uncommon variants

“…Hence, Diagnostic Cytopathology DOI 10.1002/dc this series is perhaps the largest series of cases of gallbladder malignancy diagnosed by ultrasound guided fineneedle aspiration cytology, a standard routine modality for its diagnosis. The average age of gallbladder cancer previously reported from a series from India was 52 years, 8 which is close to the average age in our study of 54.3 years. Gallbladder malignancies are associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to advanced stage at presentation.…”

“…Gallbladder malignancies are associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to advanced stage at presentation. [8][9][10] The cytomorphology is quite characteristic with tumor cell clusters present in large pools of extracellular mucin; the cells display mild to moderate pleomorphism. The high frequency of local advancement of the disease demands its rapid diagnosis as it changes the modality of management and prognosis.…”

“…14 Mucinous adenocarcinomas are the most frequent subtype of adenocarcinoma after adenocarcinoma, NOS. [8][9][10] The cytomorphology is quite characteristic with tumor cell clusters present in large pools of extracellular mucin; the cells display mild to moderate pleomorphism. Neuroendocrine carcinomas were seen in 1.3% (9) cases.…”

“…6 The prognosis for patients with GBC depends primarily on the extent of disease and histological type. [8][9][10] The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective audit of all cases of gallbladder FNAC in order to study the cytomorphological spectrum of malignant lesions with special emphasis on unusual variants. 1,2 Among the various morphological types of malignancies involving the GB, adenocarcinoma is most frequent type reported.…”

“…Other rare variants are also documented in series from India. [8][9][10] The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective audit of all cases of gallbladder FNAC in order to study the cytomorphological spectrum of malignant lesions with special emphasis on unusual variants.…”