Gallbladder adenosquamous carcinoma: a case report and a review of the role of laparoscopy in managing a rare entity

Gallbladder adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare, aggressive malignancy (1%-10% of gallbladder cancers), with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines not differentiating between histological subtypes. Radical cholecystectomy remains the only curative treatment, though laparoscopic feasibility is debated. We present a woman in her 50s with abdominal discomfort and imaging showing gallbladder wall thickening and an "hourglass appearance". Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a firm mass without metastasis. Following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intraoperative pathology confirmed adenocarcinoma, prompting immediate radical cholecystectomy, initiated laparoscopically, completed via open approach. Pathology demonstrated a 2.7 cm moderately differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma with negative margins and uninvolved lymph nodes (pT2aN0). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered, and the patient was disease-free at one year follow-up. Documenting such rare cases is essential for advancing disease understanding. This case underscores the potential for favourable prognosis with early detection and highlights the value of integrating laparoscopic techniques in a multidisciplinary approach to optimize surgical outcomes while balancing safety and recovery.