Journal article
Gallbladder Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Diffuse β-hCG Expression: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Journal of gastrointestinal cancer, Vol.56(1), 184
09/09/2025
DOI: 10.1007/s12029-025-01308-7
PMCID: PMC12417271
PMID: 40921875
Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access
Abstract
Gallbladder squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare subtype of gallbladder malignancy, comprising only 1-4% of cases. Ectopic expression of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) has been described in various epithelial cancers and is associated with aggressive behavior. We report the first known case of gallbladder SCC with diffuse β-hCG expression and markedly elevated serum β-hCG levels, aiming to explore its clinicopathological implications and potential as a prognostic biomarker.
We present the clinical, radiologic, surgical, and pathological findings of a patient with a large gallbladder mass. A literature review was conducted to contextualize our findings.
The patient underwent open cholecystectomy with hepatic segment IVb/V resection. Final pathology revealed poorly differentiated SCC with acantholytic features and diffuse β-hCG immunoreactivity. Two metastatic lymph nodes were identified in the low hepatoduodenal nodal basin. Postoperative serum β-hCG was significantly elevated. Despite surgical resection, the patient experienced rapid disease recurrence and progression.
This case represents the first documented instance of β-hCG-expressing gallbladder SCC. Diffuse β-hCG expression may reflect a dedifferentiated and aggressive tumor phenotype associated with early metastasis and poor prognosis. Further studies are warranted to investigate the prognostic and biological significance of β-hCG in gallbladder SCC and its potential role as a biomarker.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Gallbladder Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Diffuse β-hCG Expression: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
- Creators
- Shengliang He - University of IowaDustin E Bosch - University of IowaAlan Hemming - University of Iowa Health Care
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of gastrointestinal cancer, Vol.56(1), 184
- DOI
- 10.1007/s12029-025-01308-7
- PMID
- 40921875
- PMCID
- PMC12417271
- NLM abbreviation
- J Gastrointest Cancer
- ISSN
- 1941-6628
- eISSN
- 1941-6636
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/09/2025
- Academic Unit
- Pathology; Surgery
- Record Identifier
- 9984962539602771
Metrics
4 Record Views