[Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine small-cell carcinoma of the gallbladder].

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumours of the gastroenteropancreatic system (GEP-NETs) are rare, in particular those of the gallbladder. Due to the limited therapeutic options, surgical resection is favoured.

CASE REPORT AND METHODS

Described below is the case of a 69-year-old male with a lymphogenically metastasising, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder who presented with unspecific abdominal pain.

RESULTS AND CLINICAL COURSE

Following complete surgical resection of the tumour and the lymph node metastases he developed a recurrence 6  weeks post-operatively. The recurrence was treated with chemotherapy. Re-staging after three courses, however, showed further tumour progression. Prior to the start of a second-line treatment the patient died 13  weeks after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates the complexity of this rare disease with diagnosis in advanced tumour stage and poor prognosis.