Ampullary_cancer
Periampullary cancer
Disease
Periampullary cancer is a cancer that forms near the ampulla of Vater, an enlargement of the ducts from the liver and pancreas where they join and enter the small intestine.[1] It consists of:
- ampullary tumour from ampulla of Vater
- cancer of lower common bile duct
- duodenal cancer adjacent to ampulla
- carcinoma head of pancreas
It presents with painless jaundice which may have a waxing and waning nature, because at times the sloughing of the tumor tissue relieves the obstruction partially.[citation needed]
Signs and symptoms of periampullary cancer[2]
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin, eyes and urine with pale stools)
- Itching
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Recurrent vomiting
- Black stools
- Anaemia