As with most cancers, pancreatic cancer and ... transplant protocol for early-stage bile duct cancer patients. Bile duct cancer is rare and is most common in people aged 50 to 70.

The main pancreatic duct merges with the bile duct to form the ampulla of Vater (a widening of the duct just before it enters the duodenum). The pancreas is an integral part of the digestive system.

The former Vikings, Raiders and Patriots star disclosed that he underwent a six-hour operation on his pancreas, liver, gall bladder and bile duct — commonly known as a Whipple procedure.