Presentation of Cancer of the Gallbladder at Mayo Hospital, Lahore.

Abstract

Carcinoma of the gallbladder is a progressive malignant disorder with a poor and painful prognosis and high mortality rate1. Our study highlights the enhanced presentation of the carcinoma of gallbladder in patients having cholecystectomies in general ward and its possible aetiological factors in the population of Pakistan in general and Punjab in particular. Analysis of case records and histopathology reports of 100 patients who underwent cholecystectomies was done, with the objective to determine the incidence of cancer of gall bladder and highlight the possible aetiological factors. Out of a total of 100 patients 89% were females and 11% were males. The total incidence of cancer of the gall bladder in these patients was 16% the highest yet reported in literature and it was seen that it was more common in females (13%) who are relatively quite young in age. The aetiological factors held responsible were the unmistakable association of gallstones, the delayed treatment, repeated attacks of cholecystitis, multiparty, congenital abnormalities of biliary tract and infections of the biliary system. Though various modalities of treatment have been described but bulk of the above can be controlled and prevented.