Ampullary Cancer

Because the first sign of ampullary cancer is usually jaundice, yellowing of the skin is often the reason healthcare providers begin testing for the disease.

Tests to diagnose ampullary cancer include:

• Blood or urine tests to check for tumor markers.
• Imaging tests that use machines outside of your body to check for tumors inside of your body. Tests may include CT (computed tomography) scans, ultrasounds or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).
• Endoscopic tests that use a long, slender tube with a camera (endoscope) to access the tumor up close. Tests may include upper endoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). You’ll be sedated for these procedures, so you won’t feel any pain.
• A biopsy, which involves collecting a small tissue sample that a pathologist can test for cancer cells. Providers often collect the sample during an endoscopic test.

Ampullary cancer staging

The tests that allow healthcare providers to diagnose cancer also help with cancer staging. Staging gives information about how advanced the cancer is and what treatments will work best. Early-stage ampullary cancer responds better to treatment than cancer in advanced stages.

The stages of ampullary cancer are:

• Stage I (1): The tumor is only in the ampulla of Vater and potentially the muscular ring surrounding it (sphincter of Oddi). It may have spread to the inner or middle layers of your small intestine.
• Stage II (2): The tumor has spread to your pancreas or the outer layer of your small intestine.
• Stage III (3): The tumor has spread to your lymph nodes.
• Stage IV (4): The tumor has spread to other areas of your body (metastasis). When ampullary cancer metastasizes, it usually spreads to your liver, peritoneum (abdominal lining), lungs and other organs.

Ask your healthcare provider to explain what your cancer stage means for your treatment options.