Metástasis de cáncer de mama ductal infiltrante a vesícula biliar: reporte de caso

Catalina Correa García; Francisca Carrasco Martínez; Maite Rivera Burchard; Nicolás Carrasco Figari; Fernando Sandoval Agurto

doi:10.5281/zenodo.20711609

Authors

Catalina Correa García Interna de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7257-8319
Francisca Carrasco Martínez Interna de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3010-7068
Maite Rivera Burchard Interna de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3749-6193
Nicolás Carrasco Figari Interno de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5606-9213
Fernando Sandoval Agurto Médico Gineco-Obstetra, Hospital de Quilpué, Chile Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20711609

Keywords:

breast cancer, metastasis, gallbladder, invasive ductal carcinoma, Immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm among women worldwide and demonstrates a high potential for metastatic spread, mainly to bone, lung, liver, and brain. However, metastasis to the gallbladder is extremely rare, particularly in invasive ductal carcinoma, being more commonly associated with the lobular subtype. Its presentation is usually asymptomatic, and diagnosis is often made incidentally following cholecystectomies performed for benign biliary disease, highlighting the importance of histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation in these cases. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 51-year-old woman with a history of right-sided invasive ductal breast carcinoma treated in 2020 with breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy, who remained under follow-up without evidence of recurrence. In the context of symptomatic cholelithiasis diagnosed in August 2025, she underwent cholecystectomy in September 2025. Histopathological examination incidentally revealed gallbladder metastasis consistent with breast origin. Immunohistochemistry showed GATA3 positivity and a luminal profile (hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, low Ki-67). Subsequent staging studies demonstrated metastatic bone involvement without additional findings. Discussion: This case illustrates a late presentation and an unusual site of breast cancer metastasis, consistent with the behavior of luminal subtypes. It highlights the relevance of systematic histopathological analysis of surgical specimens and the role of immunohistochemistry in identifying the tumor origin. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for metastatic disease in patients with a history of malignancy, even years after the initial diagnosis, as well as the value of histopathological evaluation of surgical specimens.

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