FNAC Diagnosis of Rare Port-Site Metastasis in Gallbladder Cancer Post-Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND

Port-site metastasis (PSM) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for unsuspected gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a rare occurrence. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is a simple and time-saving technique, thus it has proven useful in diagnosing such metastases.

CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 45-year-old female who developed painful, multinodular epigastric swellings 2 years post-LC, initially performed for presumed benign cholelithiasis. FNAC of the port-site swelling revealed hypercellular smears with malignant epithelial cells, leading to a diagnosis of poorly differentiated malignancy. Follow-up imaging and histopathology confirmed incidental primary gallbladder carcinoma.

DISCUSSION: Port site metastasis in gallbladder carcinoma has a poor prognosis; thus, early detection and intervention are essential. Advanced imaging and FNAC under guidance serve as critical tools for early diagnosis, especially in cases lacking prior histological examination.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the critical role of vigilant post-surgical monitoring and comprehensive histopathological analysis following cholecystectomy, especially in areas with a higher incidence of gallbladder carcinoma. FNAC also plays a valuable diagnostic modality for early detection and management of Port site metastasis in unsuspected gallbladder carcinoma cases.