Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
07:03
A New Clarification Method to Visualize Biliary Degeneration During Liver Metamorphosis in Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
Published on: June 6, 2014
[A poorly differentiated apudoma of the gallbladder]
Arkhiv Patologii
|January 1, 1990
Summary
A rare gallbladder apudoma, a type of neuroendocrine tumor, was identified in a 76-year-old woman. This poorly differentiated tumor showed mixed features and ACTH-reactive cells, despite the absence of carcinoid syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Gallbladder tumors are rare, with apudomas (neuroendocrine tumors) being exceptionally uncommon.
- Chronic calculous cholecystitis is a common condition, but its association with malignant transformation into neuroendocrine tumors is poorly understood.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old woman presented with an exacerbated chronic calculous cholecystitis requiring gallbladder removal.
- Histological examination revealed a poorly differentiated carcinoid tumor with areas of small cell and polymorphic carcinoma.
- Immunohistochemical analysis identified numerous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-reactive cells and some serotonin-reactive cells within the tumor.
Findings:
- The tumor cells were negative for the argyrophilic P-Quil reaction but showed small neurosecretory granules via electron microscopy.
- The presence of ACTH-reactive cells suggests potential hormonal activity, despite the clinical absence of carcinoid syndrome.
- Focal hyperplasia and intestinal metaplasia with increased ACTH-reactive cells were noted in the surrounding gallbladder epithelium.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and diverse histological presentations of gallbladder neuroendocrine tumors.
- The findings suggest a potential role for ACTH production in the pathogenesis or presentation of gallbladder apudomas.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology, behavior, and optimal management of these rare gallbladder neoplasms.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
01:17Gross Anatomy of the Liver
The liver, the largest gland within the human body, is a firm and reddish-brown organ. This wedge-shaped structure weighs approximately 1.5 kg and occupies a significant portion of the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions. It extends more to the right of the body's midline than to the left.
Located under the diaphragm, the liver is almost entirely ensconced within the rib cage, providing it with substantial protection. Except for the superior most bare area, the liver's surface is covered...
Located under the diaphragm, the liver is almost entirely ensconced within the rib cage, providing it with substantial protection. Except for the superior most bare area, the liver's surface is covered...
01:17Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it is comparable in size to a kiwi fruit and is located in a hollow area on the lower surface of the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion.
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:20Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...