Carcinoma of the cystic duct: case report

A case of carcinoma of the cystic duct is presented and comprehensive review of the literature was provided. Since no characteristic clinical signs are present, the diagnosis can only be made incidentally at the time of laparotomy for non-visualizing gallbladder. Even then histological study of the resected specimen is mandatory. In our present case after the confirmation of the diagnosis the second look exploration was done. However, careful examination of the bile duct system failed to find evidence of carcinomatous involvement suggesting that carcinoma found in the cystic duct was of a primary and not a secondary invasion. The present case constitutes the nineteenth case which meets completely the criteria proposed by Farrar. Since the only hope or cure lies with the early diagnosis of the disease, early exploratory laparotomy and prophylactic removal of nonfunctioning or calculous gallbladder are recommended.