Abstract
Carcinoma of the gallbladder was diagnosed in 23 cases during the period 1966-1973. Age varied from 49-92 years, but most patients were in the sixth decade. The average survival rate was 5 mth and only one patient survived 5 yr after surgery. The latter had undergone surgery for an empyema of the gallbladder, and the carcinoma was an incidental finding. Of the 13 cases in which the gallbladder was examined, gallstones were found in 12. The dismal prognosis for gallbladder carcinoma results from delay in diagnosis. The condition does not give rise to early clinical signs which might arouse suspicion of an underlying malignancy. There was a close correlation between carcinoma and gallstones in this series, as well as in others reported. For this reason an active attempt should be made to diagnose gallstones early, perhaps by the use of ultrasound techniques. In addition, in all cases in which gallstones are diagnosed, cholecystectomy should be suggested.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 200-201+252 |
Journal | Harefuah |
Volume | 99 |
Issue number | 8 |
State | Published - 1980 |
Externally published | Yes |