Though rare, ampullary cancer has many recognizable symptoms. Doctors may initially propose the idea of this cancer because of these symptoms.
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1.) Jaundice- yellowing of the eyes and skin, darker urine. This is one of the most common indications of ampullary cancer. Jaundice is the buildup of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a dark yellowish-brown substance made in the liver. "Normally, the liver excretes bilirubin into bile. Bile goes through the common bile duct into the intestines, eventually leaving the body in the stool. When the common bile duct becomes blocked, bile can't reach the intestines, and the level of bilirubin builds up. At least half of all people with pancreatic cancer and all people with ampullary cancer have jaundice." (American Cancer Society) Urine often becomes darker because bilirubin increases in the blood.
2.) Abdominal pain- The pancreas is located in the abdomen. In the case of ampullary cancer, the pancreas compresses against other organs surrounding it.
3.) Digestive problems- If the pancreas cannot release its pancreatic juices into the intestine because of the cancer, there may be issues digesting fatty foods. This undigested fat may cause stools to be unusually pale and/or bulky.
4.) Enlarged gallbladder- If the cancer were to block the bile duct, which it usually does in ampullary cancer, bile will most likely buildup in the gallbladder. During exams, doctors can usually feel this or detect it with imaging studies.
5.) Diabetes- Though this is one of the rarest symptoms, the cancer could potentially destroy insuline producing cells. This would eventually cause diabetes.
2.) Abdominal pain- The pancreas is located in the abdomen. In the case of ampullary cancer, the pancreas compresses against other organs surrounding it.
3.) Digestive problems- If the pancreas cannot release its pancreatic juices into the intestine because of the cancer, there may be issues digesting fatty foods. This undigested fat may cause stools to be unusually pale and/or bulky.
4.) Enlarged gallbladder- If the cancer were to block the bile duct, which it usually does in ampullary cancer, bile will most likely buildup in the gallbladder. During exams, doctors can usually feel this or detect it with imaging studies.
5.) Diabetes- Though this is one of the rarest symptoms, the cancer could potentially destroy insuline producing cells. This would eventually cause diabetes.