Diagnosis and management of ampullary adenoma: The expanding role of endoscopy

Ampullary adenoma is a pre-cancerous lesion arising from the duodenal papilla that is often asymptomatic. It is important to distinguish whether the adenoma is sporadic or arises in the setting of familial adenomatous polyposis as this has important implications with respect to management and surveillance. Multiple modalities are available for staging of these lesions to help guide the most appropriate therapy. Those that are used most commonly include computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In recent years, endoscopy has become the primary modality for therapeutic management of the majority of ampullary adenomas. Surgery remains the standard curative procedure for confirmed or suspected adenocarcinoma. This review will provide the framework for the diagnosis and management of ampullary adenomas from the perspective of the practicing gastroenterologist.