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Gallbladder melanoma mimicking acute acalculous cholecystitis
P De Simone1, P Mainente, N Bedin
1Unità Operativa di Chirurgia Generale, Ospedale Civile, 71 Via Forlanini, 31029 Vittorio Veneto, (TV), Italy. pdesimone@tin.it
Surgical Endoscopy
|March 27, 2001
Summary
Gallbladder melanoma, a rare cancer, can mimic acute cholecystitis. Early detection and surgical intervention are crucial for managing this challenging diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Gallbladder melanoma is exceptionally rare with a poor prognosis.
- Distinguishing primary from secondary gallbladder melanoma is challenging without visible skin lesions.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old male presented with symptoms of acute acalculous cholecystitis.
- Ultrasound revealed a gallbladder polyp, prompting laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- Intraoperative findings included satellite nodules in the gallbladder's hepatic bed.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed a pT3 melanoma of the gallbladder.
- The patient underwent subsequent hepatic wedge resection.
- No recurrence was noted at six months post-surgery.
Implications:
- Gallbladder melanoma can present as acalculous cholecystitis, complicating diagnosis.
- A history of mole ablation may warrant increased suspicion for gallbladder melanoma.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy followed by resection can be a viable treatment strategy.