ABSTRACT

In this study, we aimed to share our clinical experience with gallbladder paraganglioma. Paraganglioma of the gallbladder is the most rare neoplasm. This case was diagnosed incidentally during laparoscopic exploration for suspicion of gallbladder cancer. The patient’s data were retrospectively collected and presented with literature. Irregular and solid mass of the gallbladder were observed while a contrast-enhanced computerize tomography on a 61 years old female patient. The main reason for contrast-enhanced computerize tomography was former kidney malignancy. After that malignant neoplasm could not be excluded because of its appearance and she operated with a suspicion of gallbladder cancer. Laparoscopic exploration and cholecystectomy were performed and frozen section of mass demonstrated gallbladder paraganlioma. The definitive diagnosis of patients was made intraoperatively. Cholecystectomy was enough and not required further treatment such as liver resection or lymphatic dissection. Postoperatively, the patient was investigated for any association with other endocrine tumors and was not found. The patient recovered without complications. Even though primary gallbladder paraganglioma is a rare case, it may occur and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mass of the gallbladder. A careful search must be carried out for the possible association with MEN syndrome.