Uncovering Gallbladder Cancers: A Retrospective Study Approach

Abstract

Gall bladder cancers, predominantly adenocarcinomas, are associated with significant malignancy and are more common in women, especially in their seventh decade of life. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, distribution, and histopathological characteristics of gall bladder tumors, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and understanding the role of chronic cholecystitis in tumor development. A retrospective analysis was performed on 45740 surgical biopsies, including 3107 cholecystectomies, from 1994 to 2007 at Misurata Medical Center, Libya. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical details, and microscopic diagnoses. Biopsy samples were processed and stained, and histopathological evaluation was performed following standard criteria. The study showed a female predominance in gall bladder tumors with a female: male ratio of 3:1. Most tumors were adenocarcinomas (83.33%), with high and moderate differentiation being the most frequent. Tumor diagnoses were most prevalent in the 51-65 age group. The majority of tumors were diagnosed at advanced stages (3 and 4). Tumor invasion was common, with 75% showing perivascular, intravascular, or perineural involvement. Chronic cholecystitis was observed in more than two-thirds of the tumor cases. Chronic inflammation is closely linked to gallbladder carcinogenesis, with most tumors diagnosed at advanced stages due to vague symptoms and aggressive behavior. Early detection and multidisciplinary approaches are vital to improve outcomes, especially in high-risk groups.