Gallbladder ICPN : Terminology

Comments:
Terminology: Intracholecystic papillary-tubular neoplasms (ICPNs) display heterogeneity in morphological patterns as well as in the lining epithelium. Not surprisingly, gallbladder tumors currently classified as ICPN have previously been referred to by a variety of names, including biliary adenoma, intestinal adenoma, papillary adenoma, villous adenoma, papillomatosis, and papillary carcinoma.

There is considerable overlap of morphology and cellular features between cases. Subclassification into various types appears to be of no clinical significance. Therefore, all cases meeting the criteria are placed under the same umbrella of ICPN. The only entity that is separated is ICPN with exclusive pyloric gland phenotype which is labeled Pyloric Gland Adenoma.

The image shows intracholecystic papillary-tubular neoplasm of gallbladder presenting as a 3 cm polypoid mass in a cholecystectomy specimen. Image courtesy of: Dr. Jian-Hua Qiao; used with permission.