Synchronous adenocarcinomas of the papilla major and minor

Abstract

Context: Synchronous malignancies affecting both the major and minor papilla are rare and are usually of endocrine origin.

Case report: A 60-year-old female presented with a two-week history of progressive jaundice and pruritus. Evaluation revealed features of a periampullary malignancy. A Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy was done. There was a growth in the ampulla of Vater and another in the region of the minor duodenal papilla. On histopathology, both lesions were adenocarcinomas.

Conclusion: Although rare, synchronous adenocarcinomas can occur in the major and minor papilla.