Fallopian Tube Cancer

Overview

The fallopian tubes are also known as oviducts and uterine tubes and connect the ovaries to the uterus. They are thin tubes that allow eggs to move from the ovaries to the uterus. Cancer of the fallopian tubes is rare compared to other types of uterine cancers. In most situations, cancer develops in other parts of the uterus such as the endometrium and then spreads to the fallopian tubes.

Most commonly, the condition affects older women who have not given birth; however, the condition can affect women of any age. In any case, fewer than one thousand women are diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer in the United States each year.

Because the condition is so rare, doctors are unsure about what causes fallopian tube cancer. Little is known about the condition and prognosis.

Types

Fallopian tube cancer is a rare condition, so little information is available regarding specific types. There have only been a couple thousand cases reported worldwide and a couple thousand cases reported in the United States.

In most cases, cancer that affects the fallopian tubes originates from some other part of the uterus like the cervix or endometrium. The cancer cells metastasize an then spread to the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms

Even though fallopian tube cancer is rare, it produces distinguishable symptoms. In any case, these symptoms closely resemble other gynecological problems and cancers. These symptoms include vaginal bleeding in between periods or after menopause, pain in the abdomen, discharge that is white, clear, or pink in color, a mass or tumor in the pelvic area. Some fallopian tube cancer patients do not experience a mass or tumor in the pelvis, especially if a doctor catches the condition early.

Causes/Risk Factors

Little is known about the causes and risks for fallopian tube cancer. Because the condition is rare, information about the condition is not readily available. It is believed that genetic factors are responsible, at least in part, for causing fallopian tube cancer. Some research supports evidence that the gene linked with breast and ovarian cancer is also linked to fallopian tube cancer.

Tests/Diagnosis

Diagnosis for fallopian tube cancer is challenging because the condition is rare and because the symptoms are similar to symptoms for other conditions. Many cases of fallopian tube cancer are diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam, in which a doctor feels the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum. Another test, the CA125 test, measures the level of a blood protein that is linked to certain gynecological diseases. Even if a woman has high levels of this gene, it does not necessarily mean that she has cancer. A CT scans and ultrasounds take pictures of the pelvic areas and uterus for a more detailed picture.

Treatment

Most fallopian tube cancer patients need surgery for a complete removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This procedure is called a complete hysterectomy. Some patients may need chemotherapy after surgery to destroy residual tumor cells. This treatment is administered orally or through a needle.