Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder: A rare form of gallbladder cancer

Abstract

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder or gallbladder carcinosarcoma is an exceedingly rare malignancy. Unfortunately, patients typically present with advanced disease at diagnosis. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, jaundice, anorexia, nausea, weight loss, and a palpable abdominal mass. This malignant tumor has a poor prognosis, and treatment options include surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. We detail the case of a 57-year-old male who presented with diffuse abdominal pain and jaundice. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a large mass within the gallbladder, intrahepatic ductal dilation, gastrohepatic lymph node enlargement, and liver lesions concerning for metastatic disease. A core needle biopsy from one of the liver lesions revealed poorly differentiated sarcomatoid carcinoma of the gallbladder. He was assessed to have stage IV disease and deemed not to be a surgical candidate. Palliative chemotherapy was planned; however, treatment was never started due to the development of cholangitis with sepsis. The patient ultimately opted for hospice care and passed away shortly thereafter.