The authors analyze a group of 34 operated patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder operated in 1984-1990. Before operation the diagnosis was established only in 6% of the patients. The authors draw attention to certain symptoms which could lead to the diagnosis of the disease on the basis of clinical and paraclinical examination. Even in recent years the incidence of this disease is not declining, difficulties with early diagnosis persist, in the majority the finding before operation cannot be resolved and only 1-5% patients survive for 5 years (due to several incidentally detected cases of carcinomas during operations performed on account of concrements). The necessity of early treatment of all biliary diseases is still urgent.