Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Ampullary adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer. It starts where the bile duct and pancreatic duct meet the small intestine. This spot is called the ampulla of Vater.
Reviews your symptoms (jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss), personal and family risk factors, and performs a targeted physical exam.
Checks liver function panels (ALT, AST, bilirubin) and tumor markers such as CA 19-9.
Provides detailed images of the ampulla of Vater and surrounding tissues, often guiding fine-needle aspiration.
Performs endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to map the ducts and obtain tissue samples for definitive pathological diagnosis.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Ampullary adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer that begins where the bile duct and pancreatic duct meet the small intestine, at the ampulla of Vater.
The 5-year survival rate ranges from about 30% to 60%, depending on how early it's detected and treated.
Risk factors include long-term inflammation of the bile or pancreatic ducts, familial polyposis syndromes, smoking, heavy alcohol use, age over 60, past gallstones, or pancreatitis.
See a physician right away if you develop jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), unexplained abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, sudden weight loss, nausea, or vomiting.
Dr. Chadha uses a combination of blood tests (liver function, tumor markers), imaging (CT, MRI), endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP with biopsy, and pathology review to confirm the diagnosis.
Yes. A tissue biopsy obtained during ERCP or endoscopic ultrasound is needed to confirm malignancy and guide treatment planning.
Depending on tumor size and stage, options include endoscopic tumor removal, ductal stent placement, laparoscopic resection, or the Whipple procedure, often combined with chemotherapy.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 7-10 days. Full recovery typically takes 2-3 months, with dietary support and gradual return to normal activities.
While most cases are sporadic, some occur in the setting of inherited syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis. Genetic counseling may be recommended for high-risk families.
You can call GastroDoxs in Houston or book an appointment online through our website to discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and personalized treatment planning.
