| Signs
and Symptoms
Fallopian tube cancer, also known as tubal cancer, develops
in the fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries and the
uterus. It is very rare and accounts for only 1 percent
to 2 percent of all gynecologic cancers. About 1,500 to
2,000 cases of fallopian tube cancer have been reported
worldwide. Approximately 300 to 400 women are diagnosed
with the condition annually in the United States. It is
more common for cancer to spread, or metastasize, from
other parts of the body, such as the ovaries or endometrium,
than for cancer to actually originate in the fallopian
tubes.
Fallopian tube cancer typically affects women between
the ages of 50 and 60, although it can occur at any age.
It is more common in Caucasian women who have had few
or no children. Because this cancer is so rare, little
is known about what causes it. However, researchers are
investigating whether genetics play a role. There is evidence
that women who have inherited the gene linked to breast
and ovarian cancer, called BRCA1, are also at an increased
risk of developing fallopian tube cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of fallopian tube cancer also may mimic those
of other gynecological problems. Some of the more common
symptoms of the disease may include:
•
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
•
Abdominal pain or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen
•
Abnormal vaginal discharge that is white, clear or pinkish
•
A pelvic mass at the time of diagnosis, which is present
in up to two-thirds of patients
Diagnosis
Because fallopian tube cancer is so rare, and its symptoms
can resemble other problems, it can be difficult to diagnose.
Additionally, in some cases, women don't learn they have
fallopian tube cancer until a tube has been removed surgically
during an operation to treat another illness or problem.
However, there are several tests that may be performed
in order to make a definite diagnosis of the condition.
First your doctor will start by asking about any symptoms
you may be experiencing, as well as reviewing your medical
history and conducting a thorough physical exam. Other
tests that may be performed include:
•
Pelvic Exam -- This test involves feeling
the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder
and rectum to find any abnormality in their shape or size.
•
CA125 Test -- This is a blood test that
checks levels of a blood protein known as CA125, which
is a tumor marker for gynecological diseases, such as
fallopian tube cancer. An estimated 85 percent of women
with gynecological disease have increased levels of CA125.
However, it is important to note that increased levels
of CA125 may not necessarily mean that a woman has cancer,
since CA125 levels also may be increased during pregnancy,
menstruation, in the presence of other non-cancerous gynecologic
diseases or cancers affecting other parts of the body.
•
Computed tomography (CT) Scan -- This
imaging test takes a series of detailed pictures of areas
inside the body. The pictures are created by a computer,
which is linked to an X-ray machine. A special dye may
be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs
or tissues show up more clearly.
•
Ultrasound -- An ultrasound of the pelvis
may be performed. This test involves the use of high-frequency
sound waves to create images of organs and systems within
the body. These waves, which cannot be heard by humans,
create a pattern of echoes called a sonogram. Healthy
tissues, fluid-filled cysts, and tumors look different
on this picture.
Treatment
Treatment for fallopian tube cancer usually involves surgery,
followed by chemotherapy. Therapy will depend on your
age, your desire to have children, as well as the type
and stage of your tumor.
•
Surgery -- Surgery is typically the first
step of treatment for fallopian tube cancer. It usually
involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian
tubes and ovaries, a procedure called a total abdominal
hysterectomy. During this procedure, specific areas outside
of the fallopian tubes are sampled to see if any cancer
has spread. If cancer has spread beyond the fallopian
tubes, it is extremely important to remove as much of
the tumor as possible.
•
Chemotherapy -- In some cases, chemotherapy
may be recommended as a follow-up treatment to surgery.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Drugs may
be given by mouth or they may be put into the body by
a needle in the vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called
systemic treatment because the drug enters the blood stream,
travels through the body and can kill cancer cells throughout
the body.
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