Small-cell undifferentiated carcinoma of neuroendocrine type originating in the gallbladder.
OBJECTIVE
We report a case of small-cell undifferentiated carcinoma with neuroendocrine (SCUCN) of the gallbladder in a 67-year-old man who presented with suspected cholelithiasis. Treatment included a cholecystectomy and a 4-cycle course of etoposide and carboplatin.


CONCLUSIONS
Small-cell undifferentiated carcinoma with neuroendocrine features of the gallbladder is a rare disease with approximately 30 cases reported in the literature. Clinical characteristics include an association with cholelithiasis, an elderly age distribution, a female preponderance, and a correlation with cigarette smoking. It is known to behave aggressively and carry a grave prognosis, with extensive local invasion and early metastasis being characteristic. Medical and surgical therapies exist and have demonstrated best results when used in combination.
Lane
Joshua E
JE
Department of Surgery, Mercer University School of Medicine, The Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon, USA. joshua.lane@lycos.com
Walker
Anna N
AN
Ayers
Gregory W
GW
Foster
James L
JL
Williams
John T
JT