Pure squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder

Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for less than 2% of gallbladder carcinomas, and is characterised by an invasive growth, a reduced tendency for lymph node metastasis, an increased tendency for hepatic infiltration or liver metastasis and a poorer prognosis than adenocarcinoma. Because of diagnostic delays, this tumour is generally diagnosed in advanced stages. We describe 4 cases of pure squamous cell carcinoma; the authors discuss diagnosis and therapeutic difficulties of these tumours. In both histological types of gallbladder carcinoma, treatment depends on the grade of local and regional invasion and tumour spread at diagnosis. © 2010 Springer Verlag France.