Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ampulla of vater: Report of a case

Surg Today. 2006;36(11):1032-5. doi: 10.1007/s00595-006-3285-7.

Abstract

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in the ampulla of Vater is rare and very different from the common ampullary adenocarcinoma. A 59-year-old man was admitted with obstructive jaundice. Gastroendoscopy showed a swollen ampulla of Vater and pathological examination of an ampullary biopsy revealed findings of a carcinoid tumor. After endoscopic biliary drainage, he underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. A diagnosis of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination of the resected specimen. Despite adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, liver and peritoneal metastasis developed within 5 months and he survived for only 10 months after the operation. Thus, further investigations are needed to find a more effective postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy agent to treat patients with this aggressive tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ampulla of Vater*
  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Large Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Large Cell / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / surgery
  • Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy