Importance of histologic classification of carcinoma of the gallbladder

In summary, we have reviewed 914 patients who underwent primary biliary procedures at the University of Kentucky between 1962-1970. Twenty-one (2.5%) of these patients were found to have carcinoma of the gallbladder. There were differences in histological evidence of invasion and in survival between invasive, microinvasive and in situ carcinomas. The changing age of the population and the increasing incidence of cholelithiasis make it likely that the incidence of carcinoma of the gallbladder will also increase. Today, aggressive surgical therapy will probably not change the prognosis for invasive carcinoma.