Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Biopsy / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder (GB) is uncommon and often presents at an advanced stage; therefore, it is associated with more aggressive behavior and a worse prognosis than those of adenocarcinoma. Herein, we report the case of an 82-year-old woman presenting a weight loss of 5 kg and epigastric discomfort over the previous 3 months. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed an infiltrative mass in the GB with hepatic invasion. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy using a 20-G core needle was performed, and the pathological examination revealed keratin pearls and an intracellular bridge, which are characteristics of squamous cell differentiation consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy was useful for obtaining an accurate histological diagnosis of GB masses without the need for surgery.