PubMed · 2005 · 20 citations · 0 references
MedicineOncologySurgeryEndocrine OncologyGastrointestinal OncologySurgical OncologyBiliary Tract CancerEndocrine Tumor DiagnosisEndocrine Tumor PathologyEndocrine Tumor PrognosisEndocrine TumorsNeuroendocrine TumorsGallbladder CarcinomaGastrointestinal Neuroendocrine TumorsNeuroendocrine Liver Metastasis
BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder is rare. Its best treatment is not known. METHODS: Two patients underwent surgery earlier: one for suspected cholecystitis and the other for cholelithiasis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed residual lesions in the livers. The two patients underwent revision surgery followed by chemotherapy. RESULTS: Both patients tolerated the second stage surgery well, which was followed by chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosphamide and cisplatin for 6 cycles. They were treated this way for 8 months and 12 months post treatment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A proper diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma is made often after surgery. As it is a slow growing tumor and not very chemotherapeutically, sensitive surgery offers the best local control.