Most women have two long, slender fallopian tubes, one on either side of the uterus. These tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus and carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Cancer of the fallopian tubes occurs when malignant cancer cells form in the tubes. It is the rarest cancer of the female reproductive system.
Cancer of the fallopian tubes or the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdomen) form from the same kind of epithelial tissue as ovarian cancer. Treatments for ovarian cancer are often used to treat fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer. In fact, many ovarian cancers are suspected to have originated in the fallopian tube.
Symptoms of fallopian tube cancer
Symptoms are often vague and can mimic other less serious illnesses. But you should see your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms and they persist for more than two weeks.
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Abnormal menstruation or bleeding after menopause
- Watery or bloody vaginal discharge, especially after menopause
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Loss or appetite or feeling full quickly
- Chronic back pain
- Fatigue
- Painful intercourse
Risk factors for fallopian tube cancer
While experts have not yet determined a cause of fallopian tube cancer, several factors may increase risk for the disease, including:
- Age 63 years or older
- Mutations to the BRCA gene, or the genes involved in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or Lynch syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or fallopian tube cancer
- Use of hormone replacement therapy
- Infertility or no pregnancies
- Menstruation before age 12 or late menopause
- Obesity during early adulthood
- Northern European or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
How is fallopian tube cancer diagnosed?
Fallopian tube cancer often spreads before it is diagnosed because it is difficult to detect in the early stage. Your doctor may order one or more of the following tests.
- Blood test to measure the levels of a certain protein that is higher in people with fallopian tube or ovarian cancer
- Imaging scans – such as a transvaginal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI or positron emission tomography (PET) scan to produce images that can show cysts and tumors
- Paracentesis – to test peritoneal fluid that has built up in your abdomen for cancer cells
- Biopsy – to determine the stage of the cancer
How is fallopian tube cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the stage of your cancer, and whether or not it has developed in one or both fallopian tubes (Stage 1); affects a fallopian tube and nearby tissue in the pelvis area (Stage 2); has spread outside of the pelvic region to affect lymph nodes or organs (Stage 3); or is affecting the liver and other organs such as the brain or lungs (Stage 4).
Treatments used for ovarian cancer are typically used to treat fallopian tube cancers as well, and may include a combination of surgery, medical treatments, immunotherapy, regional chemotherapy, cell therapies and other options.