DESCRIPTION:
Tumors of the gallbladder, extrahepatic bile ducts, and ampulla of Vater are uncommon and show a broad morphologic spectrum. Because of their rarity and unusual morphologic features, some of these tumors pose a real challenge to the pathologist. Their exact histologic classification, however, is essential for therapeutic and prognostic purposes. Moreover, a wide variety of tumorlike lesions that arise at these anatomic sites complicate the differential diagnosis. In this third series fascicle, the gross, microscopic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of benign and malignant tumors of the gallbladder, extrahepatic bile ducts, and ampulla of Vater are illustrated and discussed in detail.
In addition to the common adenocarcinomas, many other tumor types including clear cell, undifferentiated, and small-cell carcinomas adenomas and mesenchymal, lymphoid, and endocrine neoplasms, are included. The association of endocrine tumors with clinical syndromes is emphasized. When appropriate, information about molecular pathology is included. Valuable epidemiologic data and prognostic factors for gallbladder, extrahepatic bile duct, and ampullary carcinomas are provided. This 365-page fascicle, which includes 628 illustrations (most of which are in color), should be an essential reference for residents, oncologists, and pathologists in practice.
