Primary pure squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommon and frequently aggressive subtype of gallbladder cancer known for its poor outcomes compared with other gallbladder tumours. Gallbladder SCC typically presents as higher grade and more advanced than adenocarcinoma, resulting in lower estimated survival. Early recognition of these tumours is ideal, but infrequently achieved. Herein is a case of a male patient in his 80s with new onset abdominal pain who was initially diagnosed with cholecystitis, but diagnostic imaging revealed a gallbladder mass. Surgical resection and pathology revealed pure SCC of the gallbladder without local organ invasion or metastatic disease. Pure SCC histology of the gallbladder is rare, with limited studies on clinical presentation, natural history, and optimal treatment.