The fallopian tubes are two narrow ducts that carry eggs from the ovaries to the woman’s uterus. They are also important for reproduction as they often serve as the location where fertilization occurs. Each tube has finger-like projections, or fimbriae, that help grab the ovulated egg and allow it to travel down the tube.

Sometimes, in women, fallopian tubes get cancer. This condition makes the birth process very difficult. It also leads to different critical situations. If you want to know every point related to fallopian tube cancer, such as what it actually is and what are the causes, symptoms, or treatment, stay with us.

Introduction to Fallopian Tube Cancer

Fallopian tube cancer starts in your fallopian tubes, the ducts that carry your eggs to your uterus in females. Mostly, this cancer begins in the epithelial tissue and develops as ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer. Healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and manage these cancers in advanced ways.

If fallopian tube cancer gets treated early, it is curable by surgery that removes all of the cancer cells. The problem with this cancer is it does not often cause symptoms until the late stages, and when it does, it spreads fast. It is hard to notice and then treat it.

Is Fallopian Tube Cancer Common?

This cancer is a rare malignancy of the fallopian tubes. It was once thought of as one of the least common gynecological cancers, factoring in between 1 to 2% of such cases. 

However, new studies indicate that many high-grade serous ovarian cancers can arise in the fallopian tubes, suggesting that fallopian tube cancer may be more common than is known. 

Types of Fallopian Tube Cancer

The majority of fallopian tube cancers are adenocarcinomas originating from the glandular cells lining the tubes. The most common subtype is high-grade serous adenocarcinoma. Other less common types include leiomyosarcomas and transitional cell carcinomas. 

Symptoms of Fallopian Tube Cancer

Although it is rare, fallopian tube cancer can be challenging to detect and hard to ignore in the early stages. Though you may not have symptoms, the cancer may have spread through your abdomen. Early-stage cancer often presents with vague or no symptoms, making early detection challenging. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Swelling or bloating in the abdomen.

•  Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

• Including loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, or nausea.

• Pooping changes like getting constipated or diarrhea.

• Frequent urination (peeing more often).

• Bleeding usually and abnormally after menopause.

• Bloody or watery vaginal discharge.

If you have a family history of cancer or other risk factors, you should see your healthcare provider anytime you see a change in your health. Other cancers of the remaining fallopian tube are usually connective tissue.

Causes of Fallopian Tube Cancer

The cause of fallopian tube cancer is not known. However, doctors know that 90% of the time, the tumor is in glands that line your organs, such as epithelial cells. Most ovarian cancers begin in these same cells. High-grade Serous Tumors are most common in most fallopian tube and ovarian tumors, which means they spread fast.

Risk Factors

Many factors may increase the risk of developing fallopian tube cancer:

• Genetic Mutations: Variations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes usually increase the risk. These genetic alterations also lead to higher chances of breast and ovarian cancers.

• Family History: A family history of ovarian, breast or fallopian tube cancer can increase risk.

• Menstrual cycle history: First periods before 12 and menopause after 51 are the risk factors.

• Age: The incidence is higher in women aged 60 to 66. 

• Reproductive History: Women with few or no children may have an increased risk.

• Obesity: If your body mass index exceeds 30, the risk of getting this cancer increases.

Fallopian Tube Cancer Stages

Studies through the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) show that this cancer consists of the following stages;

Stage I: Cancer confined to the fallopian tubes.
Stage II: Cancer involves one or both tubes with pelvic extension.
Stage III: Cancer has spread outside the pelvis to the abdominal cavity.
Stage IV: Distant metastases are present.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing fallopian tube cancer involves several steps:

• A pelvic exam to check for abnormalities.

• Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize the pelvic organ

• Measurement of tumor markers such as CA-125, which may increase in gynecological cancers. 

• Definitive diagnosis is by histological examination of tissue samples obtained during surgery.
  

  
  Treatment of Fallopian Tube Cancer

Treatment strategies are similar to those for ovarian cancer and may include;

Surgery

In most women, the treatment consists of removing the uterus (hysterectomy), fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and ovaries (oophorectomy). If the cancer is in an advanced stage, debulking surgery will try to take as much tumor mass as possible.

Chemotherapy

Typically, it is used after surgery to target remaining cancer cells, often with platinum-based agents.

Radiation Therapy

Providers do not always apply this therapy in palliative care but in some circumstances.

Prognosis

The outcome depends on whether the tumor is discovered at a stage when surgery can remove the tumor or not. Survival rates are better if detection occurs early, from 30% - 92%.

Support and Resources

Fallopian tube cancer can be scary for patients and their loved ones. Don’t worry! Support services are available to help;

• There are many hospitals offering resources for emotional and psychological support.

• Reading other people’s stories offers experience and hope. 

• Genetic counseling can provide information about risk and prevention strategies, including for people with a family history.

  Final Thoughts!

The sooner your healthcare provider finds cancer, the better the outcome of fallopian tube cancer. If you do, talk to your provider about what you can expect the cancer stage will do for your treatment. Then, ask them to explain what you should expect during treatment and afterward, including side effects and improving your quality of life.

Keep in mind that your best resource for understanding what a fallopian tube cancer diagnosis means for your health and day-to-day life now and in the future is your provider. So, you must seek assistance from a reliable healthcare provider as soon as possible