[A Case of Gallbladder Metastasis from Breast Cancer with Acute Calculous Cholecystitis]

Chihoko Nobori1, Shintaro Kodai, Akishige Kanazawa

  • 1Dept. of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Osaka City General Hospital.

Insights

Gallbladder metastasis from breast cancer is rare but possible in advanced cases. This case highlights the importance of considering metastatic disease in patients with gallbladder symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Advanced breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • Hormonal therapy for metastatic breast cancer.

Observation:

  • A 75-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer presented with right upper quadrant pain.
  • Initial diagnosis of acute calculous cholecystitis.
  • Emergency percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Findings:

  • Pathological examination confirmed gallbladder metastasis from breast cancer.
  • The patient had widespread metastatic disease including axillary lymph node, bone, gastric, and pleural sites.

Implications:

  • Gallbladder metastasis should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with advanced breast cancer presenting with cholecystitis symptoms.
  • This case underscores the importance of thorough pathological examination in suspected gallbladder disease, especially in cancer patients.

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