Ampullary Cancer
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Ampullary cancer is a type of rare cancer that is sometimes classified under the group of pancreatic cancers (cancers involving the pancreas). The pancreas is an organ that helps the body digest food.
Ampullary cancer refers to something in the digestive tract called the ampulla of Vater where the pancreatic and bile ducts join and filter into the smaller of the two intestines.
Because the ampulla of Vater sits so close to the liver, pancreas and small intestine, often it can grow into those organs.
Who's more at risk?
While it is unclear what causes ampullary cancer, a person is more likely to be diagnosed with the cancer if they
- are 70+ years old
- are male
- have specific genetic disorders such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome
Treatment
A major treatment for ampullary cancer is to undergo surgery. The cancer must be taken out along with some of the surrounding areas to ensure that there are no cancerous cells left in the body.
In some cases the medical professional might ask you to do chemotherapy first in order to reduce the size of the tumor(s) before doing the surgery.
Surgery for ampullary cancer is often called a "Whipple operation" because of the specifics that go into the surgery.
Talk to me.
Ampullary cancer is a type of rare cancer that is sometimes classified under the group of pancreatic cancers (cancers involving the pancreas). The pancreas is an organ that helps the body digest food.
Ampullary cancer refers to something in the digestive tract called the ampulla of Vater where the pancreatic and bile ducts join and filter into the smaller of the two intestines.
Because the ampulla of Vater sits so close to the liver, pancreas and small intestine, often it can grow into those organs.
Who's more at risk?
While it is unclear what causes ampullary cancer, a person is more likely to be diagnosed with the cancer if they
- are 70+ years old
- are male
- have specific genetic disorders such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome
Treatment
A major treatment for ampullary cancer is to undergo surgery. The cancer must be taken out along with some of the surrounding areas to ensure that there are no cancerous cells left in the body.
In some cases the medical professional might ask you to do chemotherapy first in order to reduce the size of the tumor(s) before doing the surgery.
Surgery for ampullary cancer is often called a "Whipple operation" because of the specifics that go into the surgery.
Symptom list:
Ampullary Cancer
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
