Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Gallbladder Masquerading as Ruptured Gallbladder Mucocele

Squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder is rare diagnosis. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder diagnosed post cholecystectomy. The patient had presented with symptoms of acute cholecystitis and radiological imaging did not suggest presence of gallbladder malignancy. Emergency laparotomy was performed on clinical diagnosis of a ruptured gallbladder. The diagnosis of gallbladder squamous cell carcinoma was made later from histopathological examination. In this case report, we highlight the limitations of diagnosing gallbladder carcinoma on radiology and the management of gallbladder carcinoma diagnosed intra-operatively. The role of extended radical resection is discussed. In conclusion, squamous cell carcinoma of gallbladder is very rare and has a more aggressive course and poorer prognosis than adenocarcinoma. Aggressive radical surgical approach to achieve R0 curative resection is shown to have improved outcome and better overall 5-year survival for patients with gallbladder cancer.