Gallbladder Ciliated Foregut Cyst Suspected of Malignancy Preoperatively

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Gallbladder ciliated foregut cysts (CFCs) are exceptionally rare congenital anomalies.
• Malignancy is rarely suspected preoperatively for these diaphragmatic cysts.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old woman presented with a gallbladder tumor detected via ultrasonography, initially suspected of malignancy.
• Intraoperative ultrasound and rapid pathology ruled out malignancy, leading to cholecystectomy.

Findings:

• Postoperative examination revealed a cystic lesion with ciliated epithelium and smooth muscle, confirming a gallbladder CFC.
• The lesion was located on the intraperitoneal side of the gallbladder.

Implications:

• Gallbladder CFCs, though rare, warrant treatment due to potential malignant transformation.
• Increased clinical awareness is crucial for accurate preoperative diagnosis and management of gallbladder CFCs.