The risk of this cancer is more among patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.
Genetic mutations increase the chance of tumor growth.
Smoking and diabetes are also risk factors for ampullary cancer.
4 Making a Diagnosis
Making a diagnosis of Ampullary cancer is done by Endoscopy, biopsy, and blood tests.
Patient history and physical examination help to check for major signs of cancer.
Anemia is one of the symptoms resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding. Anemia is detected by measuring the hemoglobin levels in blood. Blood tests also assess the functioning of liver. It measures serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and amino transferase levels, all of which are affected in ampullary cancer.
This test is used to check for jaundice caused by obstruction of bile ducts.
Increased levels of certain markers indicate presence of tumor. But, these markers are not specific for ampullary cancer.
Ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, and chest X-ray helps to visualize the internal organs. Ultrasound helps to rule out chance of gallstones that block drainage of bile. It also helps to identify the stage of cancer. CT scans are used to visualize the signs around ampulla of Vater. MRI is the most sensitive imaging technique used to detect ampullary cancer.
This procedure helps to obtain tissue sample for biopsy and also to visualize cancer in the region of ampulla.
Treatment is based on the size of the tumor and the stage of ampullary cancer.
Early stages of cancer and smaller sized tumors are removed by surgery. Large sized tumors and cancer that has spread to other regions are removed by Whipple procedure.
In this procedure, parts in and around the ampulla are removed. This includes lower parts of stomach, gall bladder, ending parts of common bile duct, head of pancreas, and upper part of small intestine.
In advanced stages of ampullary cancer, biliary stents are used to remove the obstruction of bile duct. Stents are placed in position through endoscopy or a skin incision.
It is still not clear whether chemotherapy or radiotherapy has significant effect in alleviating the symptoms of ampullary cancer.
There are no known preventive measures for ampullary cancer, as the actual cause of the condition is not known.
Treating medical conditions that increase the risk of this cancer helps to prevent ampullary cancer to a certain extent.
7 Alternative and Homeopathic Remedies
There is very limited knowledge about the alternative and homeopathic remedies of ampullary cancer, mostly due to its rarity.
8 Lifestyle and Coping
Support of family and friends during the different stages of cancer help the person to cope better with Ampullary cancer.
Treatment of ampullary cancer has a good prognosis.
9 Risk and Complications
Pancreatic fistula, wound infection, hemorrhage, intra-abdominal abscess, and ulceration are some of the complications associated with Ampullary cancer.
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