Management of advanced gallbladder adenocarcinoma: A case report and review of treatment strategies.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare but aggressive malignancy, accounting for most biliary tract cancers. It typically presents at an advanced stage, leading to a poor prognosis, with a mean survival of six months and a five-year survival rate of 17.6 %. Early detection is critical due to its insidious onset and rapid progression.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 46-year-old African male who presented with a two-week history of colicky abdominal pain. Diagnostic imaging revealed a gallbladder mass, and the patient underwent surgical resection followed by adjuvant therapy. Postoperative recovery was initially satisfactory; however, 18 months later, the patient developed peritoneal carcinomatosis and succumbed to the disease.

Clinical discussion: This case highlights the challenges of managing GBC in resource-limited settings, where late-stage presentation is common. Early surgical intervention remains the mainstay of potentially curative treatment. Adjuvant therapies may improve outcomes but are often less effective in advanced disease stages.

Conclusion: Early detection and surgical management are pivotal for improving survival outcomes in gallbladder cancer. This case emphasizes the need for heightened clinical awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities in resource-constrained environments.