title: Melanoma in the ampulla of Vater.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The most common tumors in the ampulla of Vater are adenocarcinomas. Although malignant melanoma usually occurs on the skin, it can also arise in the gastrointestinal and biliary tract.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of a 52-year-old, previously healthy man who presented with painless jaundice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinical examination revealed dilated intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and pancreatic duct due to the obstructive mass in the ampulla of Vater. The patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and histopathological diagnosis of the resected tumor mass was malignant melanoma. Thorough clinical examination was preformed, but no other primary or metastatic site of melanoma could be found. In the next few months, the patient developed multiple liver metastases and died.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An isolated amelanotic lesion in the ampulla of Vater can be a potential diagnostic pitfall, especially in patients who have had melanoma.
authors: Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Split, University School of Medicine, Spinciceva 1, Split 21000, Croatia. antonia.bendic@gmail.com
authors: Antonia
authors: A
authors: Bendic
authors: Merica
authors: M
authors: Glavina Durdov
authors: Radoslav
authors: R
authors: Stipic
authors: Ivana
authors: I
authors: Karaman
mesh_terms: D014670:Ampulla of Vater / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003138:Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D016577:Pancreaticoduodenectomy