Know the Basics
What Is Fallopian Tube Cancer?
Fallopian tube cancer, sometimes called tubal cancer, is a rare type of cancer that develops in the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. And during ovulation, a woman’s egg will pass through these tubes to reach the uterus.
Fallopian tube cancer occurs when cells in the ducts grow out of control and become a tumor. The tumor will stretch and press the tube, which can cause pain as it grows larger. Furthermore, the tumor can spread from the tubes to the abdomen and pelvis.
Fallopian tube cancer is an extremely rare disease. It is more common for cancer cells to reach the fallopian tube from other parts of the body like the ovaries or the breast rather than for the cancer to originate in the tubes themselves.
Fallopian tube cancer is considered a single entity with aggressive ovarian cancer and peritoneal cancer (a type of cancer in the abdominopelvic cavity).
How do you check for fallopian tube cancer? Read on.
How Common Is Fallopian Tube Cancer?
An incidence of 0.39 per 100,000 women has been reported in the United States (Gynecol Oncol. 2018 May; 149(2): 318-323. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.01.030). The UCSF (University of California San Francisco) notes that around 1,500 to 2,000 cases have been reported around the world. These numbers illustrate that fallopian tube cancer is incredibly rare.
Generally, developing secondary fallopian tube cancer is more common than the cancer originating from the fallopian tubes themselves. Secondary fallopian tube cancer is the term used for when cancer cells from other parts of the body (such as the lining of the uterus, breasts, or ovaries) spread to the fallopian tubes and cause a growth there as well.
Know the Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Fallopian Tube Cancer?
Fallopian tube cancer may present acutely or subacutely. Subacute, or slowly developing symptoms, are more common. The common symptoms of fallopian tube cancer are:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after the woman has entered menopause)
- Abdominal bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (urgency and/or frequency)
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Indigestion
- Back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation
- Menstrual irregularities
- Vaginal discharge that can be clear, white, or pinkish with blood
- A mass in the abdomen on examination (sometimes found during diagnostic imaging); this can be preceded a feeling of pelvic pain or pressure
- An adnexal mass discovered at the time of imaging for another indication or during surgery for another indication
It is important to note that exhibiting these symptoms may not necessarily mean you have fallopian tube cancer. They may be from other issues. Fallopian tube cancer shares symptoms with many other illnesses. As such, this makes diagnosing fallopian tube cancer difficult. How do you check for fallopian tube cancer? Consult with your doctor.
When Should I See My Doctor?
If you notice any of the symptoms above, call your doctor. If you exhibit symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, persistent and/or severe pelvic or abdominal pain, and/or abnormal vaginal discharge, consult with your doctor. Or if you have just recently started menopause and notice vaginal bleeding or a pinkish discharge, immediately contact your health care provider. Symptoms that have recently just appeared, or appear with other symptoms may warrant further evaluation especially if they occur almost daily and are more severe than usual.
Know the Causes
What Causes Fallopian Tube Cancer?
Since it is a rare disease, doctors are still unsure of what directly causes fallopian tube cancer. It is more common for cancer from other parts of the body to spread to the tubes and cause fallopian tube cancer.
An inherited gene mutation may increase the risk of a woman developing fallopian tube cancer.
