A Large Carcinosarcoma of the Gallbladder Accompanied by Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction - A Case with a Six-year Survival

Abstract

Pancreatobiliary maljunction (PBM) is a rare congenital malformation, often associated with adenocarcinoma. However, PBM accompanying gallbladder carcinosarcoma has rarely been reported. A 72-year-old woman was referred to our hospital, complaining of abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed a polypoid mass in the gallbladder. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed PBM, and aspirated bile demonstrated elevated levels of pancreatic-type amylase (26,780 U/L) and cancer cells. Extended cholecystectomy was performed. Histologically, the tumor had adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and sarcoma components. Despite the large tumor size (84 mm) and intra-vessel cancer permeations, this patient has been healthy for 73 months since the surgery.