The most common type of fallopian tube cancer is adenocarcinoma with vague symptoms, with more than 95 per cent being papillary serous adenocarcinomas.1,2 Sarcomas are rare.3 This type of cancer is spread is via the lymphatic system, similar to ovarian cancer.4
Signs and symptoms of fallopian tube cancer
- A mass may appear in the abdomen where the fallopian tubes connect to the uterus
- Pelvic discomfort, bloating and pain
- Hydrops tubae profluens – pelvic pain combined with copious watery discharge and adnexal mass
A pregnancy test will be done to rule out an ectopic pregnancy (unless postmenopausal).
Treatment for fallopian tube cancer
Fallopian tube cancers are removed via a total hysterectomy, removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, or omentectomy. Radiation is rarely used.5,6
References
- 1.Berek JS, Renz M, Kehoe S, Kumar L, Friedlander M. Cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, and peritoneum: 2021 update. Intl J Gynecology & Obste. Published online October 2021:61-85. doi:10.1002/ijgo.13878
- 2.Hundal J, Lopetegui-Lia N, Rabitaille W. Fallopian tube cancer– challenging to diagnose but not as infrequent as originally thought. Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives. Published online May 4, 2021:393-396. doi:10.1080/20009666.2021.1893889
- 3.Agarwal R, Rajanbabu A, Nair IR. Undifferentiated Sarcoma of Fallopian Tube Managed with Robotic-Assisted Surgery. J Obstet Gynecol India. Published online March 6, 2018:63-66. doi:10.1007/s13224-018-1098-4
- 4.Akkaya E, Sanci M, Kulhan NG, et al. Prognostic factors of primary fallopian tube carcinoma. wo. Published online 2018:99-104. doi:10.5114/wo.2017.69590
- 5.Green A, Purdie D, Bain C, et al. Tubal sterilisation, hysterectomy and decreased risk of ovarian cancer. Int J Cancer. Published online June 11, 1997:948-951. doi:6.Eken M, Temizkan O, Kaygusuz EI, Herkiloğlu D, Çöğendez E, Karateke A. Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tubes: Analysis of sixteen patients. tjod. Published online June 5, 2015:83-88. doi:10.4274/tjod.67355
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- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
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