Diagnostic problems in biliary duct lymph nodes

Abstract

Lymph nodes in the area of the cystic duct are sometimes included with surgically removed gall bladders for pathological examination. These nodes may show a range of histological changes, including sinus histiocytosis and panhyperplasia with, or without giant cell systems, granuloma and fibrosis. The nature and incidence of these changes were studied with appropriate lymph nodes collected routinely from 80 patients, mainly at necropsy. Awareness of these changes should obviate possible serious error in histological diagnosis.