Rapidly growing neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder: A case report

Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinomas are rare tumors with a prognosis poorer than that of other gallbladder carcinomas. These tumors are often detected late and are difficult to treat. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with small-cell gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma. Abdominal sonography and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI performed at different points in time showed rapid growth. Treatment with surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy was instituted. In view of the rapid growth of these tumors, suspicious cases should at least be considered for close follow-up with appropriate imaging studies. Keywords: Neuroendocrine carcinoma, Gallbladder, Ultrasonography, Magnetic resonance imaging, Computed tomography