Intraductal proliferation in the pancreas and its relationship to human and experimental carcinogenesis

In 21 patients who had undergone total pancreatectomy for pancreatic head carcinoma, the uninvolved pancreas was examined with regard to the type, incidence and regional distribution of duct epithelial proliferation. The results were compared with those in 37 operative specimens from patients with chronic pancreatitis, in 46 normal pancreases from autopsies and with findings in experimental pancreatic carcinogenesis. While the incidence of squamous metaplasia and non-papillary epithelial hypertrophy varied little in the different groups, papillary epithelial hyperplasia was found three times more often in cases of carcinoma, with associated mild duct obstruction. Atypical epithelial prolife…