Ampullary Cancer

Ampullary cancer is a rare and aggressive (fast-growing) cancer that forms inside the ampulla of Vater. The ampulla of Vater is the opening where the ducts that carry digestive juices from your pancreas and liver meet. These juices combine in the ampulla of Vater before draining into the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).

As ampullary cancer forms so close to your liver, pancreas and other digestive system organs, it can easily spread to these areas. Treating ampullary cancer with surgery before it spreads offers the best outlook for the disease.

Another name for ampullary cancer is ampullary carcinoma.

How common is ampullary cancer?

This type of cancer is rare. Ampullary cancer accounts for less than 1% of all cancers affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.