Hepatocellular progenitor cell tumor of the gallbladder: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

A 75-year-old man presented to his physician with weakness, anorexia, and constant right upper quadrant pain. He underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which was converted to an open cholecystectomy due to presumed adhesions. Direct examination of the liver was negative for masses or lesions. A CT scan was negative for masses or nodules. The gallbladder was 8.5 × 2.5cm 2, with a diffusely thick wall measuring 2.5cm. Microscopic examination showed a monomorphic tumor consisting of cells with increased nuclearcytoplasmic ratio and occasional nucleoli, infiltrating the entire gallbladder uniformly. The tumor cells that reacted to antibodies directed against HepPar1 , CAM 5.2, CK19 and scattered cells were immunoreactive for CD117, CD34, and CD56. This immunohistochemical profile suggested a 'hepatocellular progenitor cell tumor of the gall bladder'. This report is, to our knowledge, the first such case of a tumor of this cell type reported in the gallbladder. In addition, we present a review of the literature. © 2005 USCAP, Inc. All rights reserved.