Premalignant epithelial lesions of the gall bladder: a prospective study of 120 cholecystectomy specimens.

One hundred and twenty gall-bladders obtained at cholecystectomy for gall bladder diseases formed the basis of a prospective study of premalignant epithelial lesions. Six cases displayed abnormal mucosa (5%); 4 had atypical hyperplasia (dysplasia) and 2 gall-bladders had carcinoma-in-situ; all were associated with chronic cholecystitis and lithiasis. These changes are considered premalignant and are probably precursors of gall-bladder carcinoma. It is impossible to predict which patient with chronic gall-bladder disease is likely to harbour premalignant epithelial changes. In any event, thorough histological examination of all gall bladders removed surgically is more than justified.