Treatment of Ampullary Cancer
The type of treatment recommended for patients will vary depending on ampullary cancer staging, as well as the size of the tumor and the grade of its cells. Sometimes more than one treatment will be recommended.

Surgery
The most common treatment for ampullary cancer is surgery to remove the tumor and part of the pancreas. If the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes, these may also be removed.

For large tumors which have invaded the wider area, it may be necessary to undergo a Whipple procedure. This is where the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, the duodenum and part of the bile duct and stomach are removed. The tail of the pancreas and the remaining bile duct and stomach are then reattached to allow for normal digestion.

Chemotherapy
Aggressive drugs may be used to help kill or at least control the spread of cancer cells. It is frequently used after surgery in an attempt to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and alleviate the spread of cells. It's also often used in instances where the cancer is so widespread across multiple areas that surgery would not be a practical solution.

Radiation therapy
Also often used after surgery, radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kills cancer cells. It may be able to eliminate cancer cells or at least control them and help to manage pain in the more advanced stages of the diseases.

Supportive care procedures
Some patients may undergo additional procedures which don't necessarily work to eliminate or manage the spread of cancer, but instead help to manage symptoms, prevent further complications and relieve pain.

In the case of ampullary cancer, this may include relieving blockages in the bile ducts or bowel, or removing a build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity.