Overexpression of P53 Protein in Gallbladder Carcinoma Can Be Used to DistinguishBetween Benign and Malignant Lesions of Gallbladder: An Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

 Introduction: Gallbladder carcinoma ranks as the fth most prevalent malignancy within the biliary tract. P53 mutation is recognized to play a role in the pathogenesis of gallbladder carcinoma, particularly in the metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. In this immunohistochemical study, we assess the expression or overexpression of the p53 protein in both benign and malignant lesions of the gallbladder, as well as precursor lesions associated with gallbladder carcinoma. Materials and methods: A total of twenty-three gallbladder carcinomas, comprising 9 adenocarcinomas, 11 well-differentiated adenocarcinomas, and 3 moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas, along with three cases of Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasm (ICPN) and six specimens exhibiting glandular dysplasia, were subjected to analysis. The assessment of p53 overexpression was conducted using a semiquantitative method that considered both the intensity and incidence of positively stained cells. Results: Signicant statistical differences (P < 0.05) in p53 protein overexpression were observed between invasive gallbladder carcinoma and between premalignant lesions when compared to normal or metaplastic epithelium. Conclusion: The overexpression of p53 can serve as a useful marker for distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions of the gallbladder.