[Benign epithelial neoplasias of Vater's papilla]

Benign epithelial tumours of the papilla of Vater seem to be very rare. Since 1910, 75 cases have been published. 3 own cases were added. Diagnostic and therapeutic problems were discussed. Benign epithelial neoplasms of the papilla of Vater are precanceromatous. Many cases of carcinoma of the papilla may grow from benign adenomas. The treatment of choice is the local exzision of the adenoma, occasionally necessitating the reimplantation of bile and pancreatic ducts. The main problem is the treatment of adenomas with severe epithelial dysplasia. Metastatic deposits are possible but duodenopancreatectomy seems to be too aggressive an operation in such cases. In cases of severe epithelial dysplasia and focal invasion of the stroma duodenopancreatectomy should be performed. In cases of familial adenomatosis coli adenomas of the papilla should be thought of. In cases of adenomas of the papilla of Vater the colon should be examined to exclude a familial polyposis coli.