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.
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.
Authors: Mutahir A Tunio; Mushabbab Alasiri; Asma Mohammed F Ali; Eyad Fawzi Alsaeed; Muhammad Shuja; Hanadi Fatani Journal: Case Rep Gastrointest Med Date: 2013-12-14