Report of a case with T1a gallbladder poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, solid type, which developed into lymph node metastases

We experienced a case with gallbladder carcinoma growing limited to the mucosa (T1a), which developed massive lymphatic vessel spread and lymph node metastases. A 72-year-old man was referred to our hospital for the swelling of his gallbladder during a routine ultrasound sonography checkup. We diagnosed the patient with gallbladder carcinoma with lymph node metastasis according to the radiographic findings and performed the open cholecystectomy and lymph node dissection. A histological examination showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, solid type, and the tumor was limited to the mucosa. The number of lymphatic vessels was increased in the tumor and peritumor areas, and cancer cells were observed in the lymphatic vessels, which were detected via D2-40 immunohistochemistry. A careful histological examination and follow-up is required for T1a gallbladder carcinoma.