What is Fallopian Tube Cancer?

Fallopian tube cancer is an abnormal, malignant growth on the fallopian tubes in a woman's body. The fallopian tubes connect each ovary to the uterus. When a woman ovulates, the egg travels from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. Fallopian tube cancer is one of the rarest cancers and affects only about 500 women in the United States every year.

Usually, fallopian tube cancer results when another cancer in a woman's body, such as ovarian cancer, spreads to the tubes. It is extremely rare for it to begin on its own. The most common type of fallopian tube cancer is an adenocarcinoma that develops in the glands. In some cases, the cancer may be caused by a sarcoma, which develops in the connective tissues of the body.

Women who are more than age 50 are at greater risk for developing the cancer, as are women who have a family history of fallopian tube cancer. Carrying the BRCA1 gene, which is linked to breast and ovarian cancer, also increases a woman's risk. Inflammation of the fallopian tubes or inflammation in other areas of the body also raises the risk.

Symptoms of fallopian tube cancer may be mild or not present at all. Some women may feel pain or pressure in the abdominal area, while others may experience an unusual, slightly bloody discharge. Since the cancer typically affects post-menopausal women in their 60s or older, any vaginal bleeding should be reported to a doctor. As the cancer progresses, a woman may notice a large mass in the pelvic area as well as fluid build-up in the area.

As with many other cancers, early diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer is important for the best treatment and prognosis. Unfortunately, since its symptoms are so mild or may be confused with another condition, early diagnosis is rare. The diagnosis may be made after a doctor discovers a mass in the pelvic area during an exam. To verify that the mass is cancer, the woman will usually have to undergo imaging such as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. If the imaging reveals a mass, her doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm the finding of cancer.

The cancer is usually treated by removing the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs. How many organs need to be removed depends on how advanced the cancer is. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes and other tissues are also removed. Following surgery, a woman will usually undergo chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancerous cells.