[Are industrial toxic substances a risk factor in gallbladder cancer?].

Increased prevalence of gallbladder cancer has been related to specific occupations and suggests a possible professional exposure to carcinogens. The authors report the case of a 64-year-old woman who had a squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder with hepatic metastases, and professional exposure to trichloroethylene in a degreasing metal laboratory. Although trichlorothylene could not be assumed to be a true carcinogen for gallbladder cancer, this case underscores that epidemiologic studies taking into account professional exposure, in addition to the usual risk factors of gallbladder cancer, are requested, in order to detect a new patient group at risk for gallbladder cancer.