The difference between ampullary cancer and pancreatic cancer

The differences between ampullary cancer and pancreatic cancer mainly lie in the location of the cancer, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment methods. Ampullary cancer occurs where the common bile duct and pancreatic duct merge into the duodenum, while pancreatic cancer originates from the pancreatic tissue. The different locations and pathogenesis lead to differences in symptoms, course of disease, and prognosis between the two.

Due to the special anatomical location of ampullary cancer, jaundice may occur in the early stages. This is because the tumor compresses the bile duct and causes bile accumulation, accompanied by yellowing of the skin, darker urine, and other manifestations. Some patients may have symptoms such as upper abdominal pain and weight loss. In contrast, pancreatic cancer is relatively hidden in the early stages, and many patients do not feel obvious discomfort until the late stages, such as abdominal pain radiating to the back, loss of appetite, and significant weight loss. When pancreatic cancer compresses nearby organs, it may also cause bile duct obstructive jaundice, but it generally appears later than ampullary cancer.

There are certain commonalities in the diagnosis of the two, but the specific means may be different. Major imaging examinations such as ultrasound, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are helpful, but because ampullary cancer is superficial, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or duodenoscope can more directly observe the lesion and obtain pathological tissue. Pancreatic cancer relies more on imaging and puncture biopsy for diagnosis. Surgical resection is still the main treatment for these two cancers. If ampullary cancer is in the limited stage, pancreaticoduodenectomy can be performed. Because pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed in the late stage, most of them can only be treated with palliative treatment, such as chemotherapy or stent placement to relieve obstructive symptoms.

Prevention and early detection are the key to reducing the incidence rate and improving the treatment effect. Protect the health of the digestive system, avoid high-fat and high-sugar diets, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and have regular physical examinations, especially for those with a family history of the disease. Any unexplained jaundice or persistent abdominal discomfort requires prompt medical attention, and standardized examinations should be performed to identify potential causes.