A case of synchronous double primary combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma complicated with gallbladder adenocarcinoma: a rare case report - Report - MDSpire

A case of synchronous double primary combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma complicated with gallbladder adenocarcinoma: a rare case report

  • By

  • Xiangfei Wang

  • Linru Yang

  • Haiming Jian

  • Xiaoru Gao

  • Tianxiang Liu

  • May 4, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Concurrent Double Primary Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma

Overview

This report details a rare case of synchronous double primary hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder adenocarcinoma in a 73-year-old female, emphasizing the clinical significance and rarity of such occurrences. Postoperative pathology confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient showed significant recovery following surgical intervention.

Background

Multiple primary cancers (MPCs) are increasingly recognized, yet cases involving synchronous double primary tumors of the liver and gallbladder remain exceptionally rare. The liver is a common site for MPCs, with combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) being a unique entity that complicates diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these rare occurrences is crucial for improving clinical outcomes and guiding individualized treatment strategies, particularly in the context of atypical presentations.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 73-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss.
  • Imaging revealed a space-occupying lesion in the liver and a nodular lesion in the gallbladder.
  • Postoperative pathology confirmed cHCC-CCA and gallbladder adenocarcinoma with clear resection margins.
  • This case represents the first reported instance of synchronous double primary tumors involving cHCC-CCA and gallbladder adenocarcinoma.
  • The patient experienced significant symptom relief following surgery.

Clinical Implications

This case highlights the importance of considering multiple primary cancers in patients with atypical presentations. Clinicians should be vigilant in using advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT, and multidisciplinary approaches for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in rare cancer cases.

Conclusion

The successful management of this rare case underscores the need for heightened awareness and thorough investigation of synchronous primary tumors in clinical practice, as well as the potential for future research to improve outcomes.

References

  1. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Case Report: Anti-PD-1 therapy as a catalyst for the rapid transformation of a hepatic nodule into HCC: a “soil and seed” paradox in metachronous triple primary malignancies?
  2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Case Report: Tumor-related hemorrhage determined treatment sequencing in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm coexisting with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma
  3. Favorable long-term outcomes following concurrent resection of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas, 2008
  4. Clinical Outcomes in Gallbladder Cancer Patients with Acute Cholecystitis Presentation, 2024
  5. Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a contemporary pathologic and molecular perspective - PMC, 2019
  6. Clinical Practice Guidelines, EASL, 2025
  7. ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline interim update on the management of biliary tract cancer - PMC, 2025
  8. Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a contemporary pathologic and molecular perspective - PMC
  9. Clinical Practice Guidelines
  10. ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline interim update on the management of biliary tract cancer - PMC

Original Source(s)

Related Content