Value of ultrasonography for diagnosis of early-stage gallbladder carcinoma

Objective To investigate the ultrasonographic features of early-stage gallbladder carcinoma and determine the value of ultrasonography for diagnosis of the tumor. Methods The sonographic images obtained from 16 patients with pathologically proved early-stage gallbladder carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. Results The images could be divided into two types of thickening of mucosa and protruding of mucosa. Meanwhile, the signs of gallstone were found. Conclusions B-mode ultrasonography and exploration during operation are the major means for finding early-stage gallbladder carcinoma. The diagnostic rate of the tumor can be promoted by combining B-mode ultrasonography with color Doppler ultrasonography.