[Cholelithiasis and carcinoma of the colon]

It results cholelithiasis is very frequently associated to colorectal cancer. Clinical and autoptic studies thereabout result to be doubtful. In the present research, the Authors evaluated the proliferative activity of colonic mucous membrane, through the mitotic index, and the secretion of mucins, with histochemical methods, in control subjects and cholelithiasic patients. The results show no significant differences in both groups; the data obtained are discussed in the light of the importance of the biologic parameter considered in the evaluation of risk groups for colorectal neoplasms and, moreover, as morphologic support to the clinical question.