Proliferative potential and K-ras mutation in epithelial hyperplasia of the gallbladder in patients with anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union

Abstract

The results of this study suggest that hyperplasia of the gallbladder mucosa in APBD patients is an early change that, because of the increased proliferative activity and presence of K-ras mutations, could be considered a premalignant lesion of the gallbladder. An increased cell population of epithelial hyperplasia may predispose the mucosa to mutational events, resulting in an increased risk for the development of gallbladder carcinoma in APBD patients.