From the archives of the AFIP. Benign tumors and tumorlike lesions of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2002

Abstract

A diverse spectrum of benign tumors and tumorlike lesions arises from the gallbladder and bile ducts, and despite their diversity, these lesions share common embryologic origins and histologic characteristics. Although these lesions are relatively uncommon, their importance lies in their ability to mimic malignant lesions in these locations. Benign neoplasms are derived from the epithelial and nonepithelial structures that compose the normal gallbladder and bile ducts. The epithelium gives rise to adenomas, cystadenomas, and the unusual condition of biliary papillomatosis. Granular cell tumors, neurofibromas, ganglioneuromas, paragangliomas, and leiomyomas are examples of benign tumors that may originate from nonepithelial structures. Tumorlike lesions are more commonly found in the gallbladder and include xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, adenomyomatous hyperplasia, cholesterol polyps, and heterotopias. In the clinical setting of a patient with nonspecific abdominal complaints or symptoms of biliary obstruction, the discovery of a gallbladder or bile duct polyp or mass, gallbladder wall thickening, or biliary stricture is most often indicative of malignancy. However, the differential diagnosis should include benign tumors and tumorlike lesions. The preoperative determination of a benign lesion may significantly alter therapy and patient prognosis.

Volume

22

Issue

2

First Page

387

Last Page

413

ISSN

0271-5333

Disciplines

Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology

PubMedID

11896229

Department(s)

Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Document Type

Article

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