Unusual presentation of synchronous double primary gallbladder and hepatic malignancies: A case report

Synchronous double primary malignancies of the gallbladder and liver are exceedingly rare clinically and prone to misdiagnosis as metastatic lesions. Due to anatomic contiguity and overlapping imaging characteristics, distinguishing primary carcinomas from metastatic disease is challenging, often delaying curative-intent treatment. Current lack of consensus on management underscores the imperative to investigate their pathologic features and individualized strategies for improved prognostication.

This study presents a rare case of synchronous double primary malignancies involving both gallbladder adenocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Following a comprehensive analysis of the patient's diagnostic workup, therapeutic interventions, and 12-month follow-up outcome, the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic determinants of such synchronous malignancies are described. These findings offer valuable guidance for clinicians in optimizing diagnostic strategies and treatment decision-making for complex presentations of multiple primary cancers.

The critical insights obtained from this case, integrated with a review of current literature, identify the key diagnostic challenges in differentiating primary vs metastatic lesions and propose a multidisciplinary management framework.