Diagnosis of Ampullary Cancer
Making a diagnosis of Ampullary cancer is done by Endoscopy, biopsy, and blood tests. Patient history and physical examination help to check for major signs of cancer.

Blood tests
Anemia is one of the symptoms resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding. Anemia is detected by measuring the hemoglobin levels in blood. Blood tests also assess the functioning of liver. It measures serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and amino transferase levels, all of which are affected in ampullary cancer.

Urine analysis
This test is used to check for jaundice caused by obstruction of bile ducts.

Tumor markers
Increased levels of certain markers indicate presence of tumor. But, these markers are not specific for ampullary cancer.

Imaging studies
Ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, and chest X-ray helps to visualize the internal organs. Ultrasound helps to rule out chance of gallstones that block drainage of bile. It also helps to identify the stage of cancer. CT scans are used to visualize the signs around ampulla of Vater. MRI is the most sensitive imaging technique used to detect ampullary cancer.

Endoscopy
This procedure helps to obtain tissue sample for biopsy and also to visualize cancer in the region of ampulla.