DNA content of pancreatic duct hyperplasia and carcinoma.

The DNA content of epithelial nuclei of hyperplastic and carcinomatous ducts of the pancreas was examined cytophotometrically. The materials were obtained from 2 cases of nonpapillary hyperplasia, 3 of papillary hyperplasia, 2 of atypical hyperplasia and 2 of tubular adenocarcinoma, which were selected by reviewing the pancreata of about 1,600 human autopsy cases. A gradual shift was observed in the DNA content from the normal level to a carcinomatous level through various stages of hyperplasia. Based on these findings, the hypothesis that pancreatic duct hyperplasia is a potent precursor of pancreatic carcinoma is discussed.