Periampullary cancer
Encyclopedia
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
.
It presents with painless jaundice which may be intermittent in nature due to the sloughing of the tumour tissue relieving the obstruction intermittently.
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
that forms near the ampulla of Vater, an enlargement of the ducts from the liver
Liver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
and pancreas
Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive and endocrine system of vertebrates. It is both an endocrine gland producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, as well as a digestive organ, secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that assist...
where they join and enter the small intestine
Small intestine
The small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract following the stomach and followed by the large intestine, and is where much of the digestion and absorption of food takes place. In invertebrates such as worms, the terms "gastrointestinal tract" and "large intestine" are often used to...
.
External links
- Periampullary cancer entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
It presents with painless jaundice which may be intermittent in nature due to the sloughing of the tumour tissue relieving the obstruction intermittently.