Abstract
The increasing frequency and poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer prompt us to search for morphological lesions being a substrate for its development. Studies of autopsy and surgically resected material as well as recent molecular studies have proved that one of the possible pathways of pancreatic neoplasia is the intraepithelial proliferation – dysplasia – cancer sequence. In the present paper we studied the proliferative activity (Ki‐67 index) in pancreatic intraepithelial proliferative lesions and its correlation with geometric features of cell nuclei as signs of increasing dysplasia. The studies were carried out in a group of 35 patients operated on for pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis and other conditions not associated with the pancreas. We used immunohistochemical methods and basic morphometric parameters. The results of our studies indicate that the cell proliferative activity depends both on the type of epithelial proliferation and underlying pancreatic disease. The values of Ki‐67 index are significantly different in low‐grade proliferation (flat and papillary hyperplasia) and high‐grade proliferation (atypical papillary hyperplasia and carcinoma in situ). A set of karyometric features correlates with Ki‐67 index but there is no single feature which would have a diagnostic value.
Highlights
IntroductionClassification of pancreatic epithelial intraductal proliferation is based on histological and cytological features
Ductal carcinoma of the pancreas belongs to a group of neoplasms which are characterized by increasing morbidity and mortality and is associated with a veryClassification of pancreatic epithelial intraductal proliferation is based on histological and cytological features
In group I in 2 cases in samples obtained for histopathological study there was no pancreatic parenchyma outside tumor area
Summary
Classification of pancreatic epithelial intraductal proliferation is based on histological and cytological features. When dividing the proliferative lesions into individual groups we take into account such features as cell size, nuclear shape, its location with respect to the cell base, nuclear membrane contour, chromatin arrangement and nucleolar size. Dysplastic changes in proliferating epithelium of pancreatic ducts are assessed according to the classical criteria, which is always influenced by certain subjective factors. For this reason the borders between individual types of pancreatic intraepithelial proliferative lesions are “flexible” and part of the cases may be misdiagnosed. One of the characteristic features of neoplasms is an increase
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
