Print Overview Ampulla of Vater Enlarge image Close Ampulla of Vater Ampulla of Vater The ampulla of Vater is located where your bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty into your small intestine. Ampullary (AM-poo-la-ree) cancer is a rare cancer that forms in an area of your digestive system called the ampulla of Vater. The ampulla of Vater is located where your bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty into your small intestine. Ampullary cancer forms near many other parts of the digestive system, such as the liver, pancreas and small intestine. When ampullary cancer grows, it may affect these other organs. Ampullary cancer treatment often involves extensive surgery to remove the cancer and a large margin of healthy tissue. Ampullary cancer care at Mayo ClinicProducts & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsSigns and symptoms of ampullary cancer may include: Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) Clay-colored stools Abdominal pain Fever Bleeding from the rectum Nausea Vomiting Weight loss When to see a doctorMake an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. CausesIt's not clear what causes ampullary cancer. In general, cancer starts when cells develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell the cell what to do. The changes tell the cell to begin multiplying uncontrollably and to continue living when normal cells would die. The accumulating cells form a tumor that can invade and destroy normal body tissue. Risk factorsFactors that can increase the risk of ampullary cancer include: Your age. Ampullary cancer is more common in adults older than 70. Being male. Males are slightly more likely to develop ampullary cancer than are females. Inherited syndromes that increase cancer risk. Some gene mutations passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of ampullary cancer significantly. Only a small percentage of ampullary cancers are linked to inherited genes. The most common inherited syndromes that increase ampullary cancer risk are familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome, which is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. By Mayo Clinic Staff Ampullary cancer care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Oct. 30, 2021 Print Living with ampullary cancer? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Cancer Discussions Emotional health after cancer: How are you doing really? 208 Replies Fri, Sep 29, 2023 chevron-right Want to connect with kidney cancer patients 76 Replies Tue, Sep 26, 2023 chevron-right Leiomyosarcoma: What can I expect now? 33 Replies Wed, Sep 20, 2023 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Feldman M, et al. Tumors of the bile ducts, gallbladder and ampulla. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 10th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 13, 2019. Ryan DP, et al. Ampullary carcinoma: Treatment and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 8, 2019. Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 3, 2019. Martin JA. Ampullary carcinoma: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and staging. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 8, 2019. Related Ampulla of Vater Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Ampullary cancerSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20213615 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Ampullary cancer