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Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic, a leader in diagnosing and treating ampullary carcinoma, offers several specialized treatments, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery. A team of experts from several medical specialties works together to diagnose the condition and provide the most effective treatment for each patient. Surgeons perform thousands of gastrointestinal surgeries each year at Mayo Clinic, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.
Physicians at Mayo Clinic use high-resolution imaging and other advanced procedures to diagnose ampullary carcinoma. Read more about diagnosis of ampullary carcinoma.
Patients who have ampullary carcinoma benefit from treatment by gastroenterologic surgeons who use the latest surgical techniques. Mayo Clinic operating rooms are outfitted with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment. Other treatment options, such as radiation therapy, are sometimes used. Read more about treatment of ampullary carcinoma.
Ampullary carcinoma (cancer of the ampulla of Vater) occurs where the bile duct and pancreatic ducts enter the duodenum (part of the small intestine). Ampullary carcinoma sometimes blocks or slows the flow of bile from the gallbladder. This blockage causes jaundice by interfering with the ampulla of Vater's ability to control the release of bile and pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine.
The small intestine has three main sections: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. Attached to the stomach, the duodenum also includes a connection between the bile ducts and the rest of the small intestine. Ampullary carcinoma develops where the bile ducts attach to the duodenum. It may block bile from flowing from the gallbladder through the bile ducts and into the small intestine. When this happens, bilirubin builds up in the body, causing jaundice and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Ampullary carcinoma is a rare condition that most researchers group with other small bowel cancer cases. Each year more than 5,000 people in the United States develop small bowel cancer.
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