Cancer of the large papilla of the duodenum

Cancer of the large papilla of the duodenum (BSDPC) – a rare malignant tumor that occurs in the duodenum in the papilla formed by the confluence of the common bile duct and the main duct of the pancreas. The proportion of BSDPC cancer among all tumors of the gastrointestinal tract is 2%.

Who is at risk?

BSDPC cancer most often occurs in patients over 65 years of age. Men get sick a little more often. In addition, gallstone disease, inflammation of the duodenum, chronic pancreatitis, duodenitis are risk factors for the development of the disease.

You can suspect the disease if the following symptomsoccur .

• pain in the upper abdomen,
• yellowing of the skin (mechanical jaundice),
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• weight loss,
• anemia,
• skin itching (with jaundice).

If any of these signs are detected, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The specialist will assess the situation and appoint a follow-up examination.

In addition to laboratory data, including tumor markers (REA, CA19-9), the following methods are used for the diagnosis of BSDPC cancer.

Ultrasound-detects the expansion and level of the block of the bile ducts by the tumor in mechanical jaundice, which overwhelmingly accompanies the cancer of the BSDPC.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) - allows you to identify a tumor, take a biopsy., Computed tomography (CT) of the abdominal cavity with intravenous contrast and endosonography (targeted ultrasound through an endoscope) allow you to determine the size of the tumor, spread to neighboring organs, blood vessels, the presence of metastases in the lymph nodes and other organs.

These are the main ways to diagnose the disease, which allows you to determine the treatment tactics. Other diagnostic methods can be assigned additionally.

In the Moscow Clinical Research Center named after A. S. Loginov, the solution of the problem of cancer of the BSDPC is carried out by the joint efforts of oncologists and surgeons. At the stage of treatment of the early stage of the tumor, radical surgical treatment is indicated. In our center, these are laparoscopic operations performed by specialists of the department of high-tech surgery, including with the use of the DaVinci robot.

For the treatment of common forms of the disease, it is possible to conduct chemotherapy as prescribed by the oncologist of our center. 

Do not delay your visit to the specialists of our Center. This will help to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and choose the right treatment tactics. Doctors of the State Medical Institution of the Moscow State Medical Center named after A. S. Loginov DZM are always ready to help you.