Hepato-biliary Pathology: Adenocarcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater

A 1960 surgical resection specimen from a 64 year old man admitted with obstructive jaundice of three weeks duration. Subcostal pain had preceded the jaundice and liver function tests on admission demonstrated an obstructive cause. At operation induration in the head of the pancreas and palpable tumour in the duodenum suggested the diagnosis of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. The liver was clear of metastases. Radical pancreatico-duodenectomy was performed and the patient made a good recovery.