Print Overview Ampulla of Vater Enlarge image Close Ampulla of Vater Ampulla of Vater The ampulla of Vater is located where the bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty into the small intestine. Ampullary cancer is cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the ampulla of Vater. The ampulla of Vater is located where the bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty into the small intestine. Ampullary (AM-poo-la-ree) cancer is rare. Ampullary cancer forms near many other parts of the digestive system. This includes the liver, pancreas and small intestine. When ampullary cancer grows, it may affect these other organs. Ampullary cancer treatment often involves surgery to remove the cancer. Treatment also may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsSigns and symptoms of ampullary cancer may include: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, called jaundice. Diarrhea. Clay-colored stools. Abdominal pain. Fever. Blood in the stool. Nausea. Vomiting. Weight loss. When to see a doctorMake an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional if you have any persistent symptoms that worry you. Request an appointment CausesIt's not clear what causes ampullary cancer. Ampullary cancer happens when cells in the ampulla of Vater develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA holds the instructions that tell a cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA gives instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. The instructions tell the cells to die at a set time. In cancer cells, the changes give different instructions. The changes tell the cancer cells to make many more cells quickly. Cancer cells can keep living when healthy cells would die. This causes too many cells. The cancer cells might form a mass called a tumor. The tumor can grow to invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, it's called metastatic cancer. Risk factorsFactors that can increase the risk of ampullary cancer include: Increasing age. Ampullary cancer is more common in adults older than 70. DNA changes that run in families. Some DNA changes that are passed down from your parents can increase your risk of ampullary cancer and other cancers. Examples include the DNA changes that are linked to Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, also called FAP, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. There is no way to prevent ampullary cancer. By Mayo Clinic Staff Ampullary cancer care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Dec. 05, 2023 Print 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. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 29, 2023. Martin JA. Ampullary carcinoma: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and staging. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 29, 2023. Mamon H, et al. Ampullary carcinoma: Treatment and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 29, 2023. Ampullary adenocarcinoma. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1511. Accessed Aug. 29, 2023. Palliative care. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1437. Accessed Aug. 30, 2023. Related Ampulla of Vater Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book 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