Neoplasia of gallbladder and biliary epithelium

Abstract

Context: Diagnosis of biliary neoplasia can be challenging but is essential for the appropriate clinical management of patients. Therefore, it is important to recognize the morphologic features of the biliary neoplasms to report a correct diagnosis.

Objectives: (1) To discuss the differential diagnosis of dysplasia in the gallbladder and differentiate dysplasia from reactive atypia and invasive carcinoma, (2) review the histologic features of adenoma and polypoid biliary lesions, (3) highlight the differential diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in liver biopsy, and (4) discuss the differential diagnosis of atypical biliary glandular lesions.

Data sources: Current English literature related to gallbladder and biliary neoplasia.

Conclusions: Biliary glandular neoplasms show a wide spectrum of morphology and have many mimics. Careful examination of the histologic features of these lesions and familiarity with their morphology can help to achieve the correct diagnosis.