Hyperhaptoglobinemia and carcinoma of the gallbladder.

Cancer of the gallbladder is an uncommon malignancy which is seldom diagnosed early and often denotes a poor prognosis. Two reported cases describe the association of hyperhaptoglobinemia (greater than 700 mg./dl.) and advanced carcinoma of the gallbladder. When a patient presents with liver involvement from metastatic adenocarcinoma of suspected gastrointestinal origin and a markedly elevated serum haptoglobin (greater than 700 mg./dl.), it is suggested that a high index of suspicion be held for carcinoma of the gallbladder.