Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder Presenting as Recurrent Hepatic Abscess: A Case Report

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the gallbladder and biliary tract is an exceptionally rare and aggressive malignancy that often remains clinically silent until it reaches an advanced stage. We describe the case of a middle-aged man with no significant medical history who initially presented with repeated episodes of hepatic abscesses, each managed as an isolated infectious process. The persistence of symptoms and progressive cholestasis eventually prompted further evaluation, revealing a large hepatobiliary mass with extensive local invasion that could not be surgically resected. Histologic assessment confirmed pure SCC, and the patient was started on systemic therapy with clinical stability during follow-up. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of a rare tumor, in which recurrent hepatic abscesses of bacterial etiology may be related to tumor development. It highlights the importance of considering occult neoplastic processes in patients with hepatobiliary infections and underscores the challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of pure biliary SCC.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.101639
Primary Topic
Amoebic Infections and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder Presenting as Recurrent Hepatic Abscess: A Case Report

Andrés Uribe Valencia, Juan J Zorrilla Ariza, Lisbeth P Ramirez Perez, Winny J Barandica Cuaicuan
Cureus
Amoebic Infections and Treatments
article

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder Presenting as Recurrent Hepatic Abscess: A Case Report

Andrés Uribe Valencia, Juan J Zorrilla Ariza, Lisbeth P Ramirez Perez, Winny J Barandica Cuaicuan
article en

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the gallbladder and biliary tract is an exceptionally rare and aggressive malignancy that often remains clinically silent until it reaches an advanced stage. We describe the case of a middle-aged man with no significant medical history who initially presented with repeated episodes of hepatic abscesses, each managed as an isolated infectious process. The persistence of symptoms and progressive cholestasis eventually prompted further evaluation, revealing a large hepatobiliary mass with extensive local invasion that could not be surgically resected. Histologic assessment confirmed pure SCC, and the patient was started on systemic therapy with clinical stability during follow-up. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of a rare tumor, in which recurrent hepatic abscesses of bacterial etiology may be related to tumor development. It highlights the importance of considering occult neoplastic processes in patients with hepatobiliary infections and underscores the challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of pure biliary SCC.

CureusVol. 18(1)
University of Caldas (CO), Central University of Valle del Cauca (CO), Universidad del Valle (CR), Universidad de Manizales (CO), Clínica CES (CO), Universidad de Carabobo (VE), Icesi University (CO), Universidad Libre de Colombia (CO), Universidad del Valle (CO)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 84%
Amoebic Infections and Treatments
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.