Treatment of Fallopian Tube Cancer
What is fallopian tube cancer?
Fallopian tube cancer begins in the fallopian tube, which are the ducts that transport the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Fallopian tube cancer typically starts in the same tissue, known as epithelial tissue. Making up for only 1% of gynecological cancers, fallopian tube cancer is considered the rarest cancer that affects the female reproductive system. Fallopian tube cancer typically affects women between the ages of 50 and 60. When diagnosed early, fallopian tube cancer can be curable.
What causes fallopian tube cancer?
The cause of most fallopian tube cancers is unknown; however, research has indicated that 90% of fallopian tube cancer cases develop in glands that line the organs, such as in epithelial cells. These are the same type of cells where most ovarian cancers originate.
What are the risk factors for fallopian tube cancer?
Factors that increase your likelihood of developing fallopian tube cancer includes the following:
- Age: More than 50% of women diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer are over the age of 63.
- Ethnicity: People who live in North America or are from Northern European or Ashkenazi Jewish descent are more likely to be diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer.
- Family history: People with a first-degree biological relative who has had breast cancer, ovarian cancer or fallopian tube cancer have a higher chance of getting fallopian tube cancer.
- Genetic mutations: Changes to the breast cancer gene, like BRCA, can increase your risk.
- Health conditions: Inherited conditions, such as Lunch syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, can increase your chance of fallopian tube cancer.
- Pregnancy and childbirth history: Women who have never been pregnant or those who had their first full-term pregnancy after the age of 35 are more likely to develop this cancer.
- Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) above 30 (obesity) can increase your risk.
What are the signs of fallopian tube cancer?
In the early stages, fallopian tube cancer does not usually exhibit symptoms; however, healthcare exams can be helpful in identifying an issue, like a lump or mass, during a routine pelvic exam. Signs and symptoms of fallopian tube cancer include:
- Pelvic pain or mass.
- Abdominal pain, swelling, or bloating.
- Loss of appetite, feeling full quickly or nausea.
- Changes in digestive habits, such as constipation or diarrhea.
- Frequent urination.
- Abnormal periods or bleeding after menopause.
- Vaginal discharge.
How is fallopian tube cancer diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may order one or more of the following tests to identify the possible condition:
- Blood tests: A CA-125 blood test can measure the amount of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), and higher amounts of this cancer antigen can indicate signs of fallopian tube cancer.
- Imaging testing: A transvaginal ultrasound, computer (CT) tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan may help produce images of your fallopian tubes and ovaries that can show cysts or tumors.
What are treatment options for fallopian tube cancer?
To make the initial diagnosis, health care providers will usually need to remove fluid or tissue, so that a pathologist can identify cancer cells. Based on the findings, imaging scans and procedures allow health care providers to stage fallopian tube cancer.
Treatment will depend on the stage of cancer. The Gynecologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute will design a treatment plan specific to you and your type of cancer. Treatments are being tested in clinical trials. Speaking with a cancer expert will allow you to find the best treatment option for you.
Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer. When it comes to world-class cancer care close to home, look no further than Karmanos.
Information includes fallopian tube cancer, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.