Fallopian Tube Carcinoma - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Fallopian tube cancer affects the tube that carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This uncommon gynecological cancer has the potential to progress to ovarian cancer. The uterus, the fallopian tubes, and the ovaries are surgically removed (hysterectomy) (salpingo-oophorectomy). Women with BRCA gene mutations are more vulnerable.

What Is Fallopian Tube Carcinoma?

Fallopian tubes are the tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and are the site of fallopian tube cancer. They are an essential component of the female reproductive system. The majority of females have two fallopian tubes, one on each side of the pelvic cavity.

Fallopian tube cancer is the most uncommon cancer of the female reproductive system (gynecological). Only about one percent of gynecological cancers begin in the fallopian tubes.

What Causes Fallopian Tube Carcinoma?

It is the most common type of ovarian cancer (high-grade serous carcinoma or epithelial) and may start as fallopian tube cancer. Most people with fallopian tube cancer have cancer that begins elsewhere in the body and then spreads to the fallopian tubes. Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread. The rest of the fallopian tube cancers begin in connective tissue (sarcomas). Cancer begins at the end of a fallopian tube, where eggs from an ovary enter. It then spreads to the ovary's surface. It is possible that fallopian tube cancer accounts the for up to 70 percent of all epithelial ovarian cancers. Most cancers of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum are grouped for diagnosis, treatment, and management.

What Are the Risks of Fallopian Tube Carcinoma?

The following factors increase the likelihood of developing fallopian tube cancer:

• Women over the age of 60 years.

• Breast cancer (BRCA) gene changes (mutations).

• Menstruation before the age of 12 or late menopause.

• Endometriosis.

• Family history of ovarian, breast, or fallopian tube cancer.

• After menopause, hormone replacement therapy is used.

• Infertility issues or a lack of pregnancies.

• Lynch syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome are inherited conditions.

• Obesity (especially during early adulthood) (especially during early adulthood).

What Are the Symptoms of Fallopian Tube Carcinoma?

Fallopian tube cancer symptoms can be hazy and easy to dismiss. One must consult the doctor if they notices any changes in the health, especially if they have cancer risk factors.

Fallopian tube cancer symptoms include:

• Bloating or abdominal pain.

• Menstruation is abnormal.

• Back pain that persists.

• Constipation.

• Fatigue.

• Feeling full quickly.

• Urination regularly.

• Intercourse is painful.

• Pelvic discomfort or mass.

• Stomach ache (indigestion).

• Bloody or watery vaginal discharge.

How Is Fallopian Tube Carcinoma Diagnosed?

Early-stage fallopian tube cancer is difficult to detect. It frequently spreads before being diagnosed. During a pelvic exam, the doctor may notice a lump or mass. In case of symptoms, the doctor may order one or more of the following tests:

• CA-125 Blood Test: A CA-125 blood test determines the amount of cancer antigen 125 in the blood (CA-125). These protein levels in the blood may be higher in people with fallopian tube cancer or ovarian cancer. However, if one is premenopausal, one may have elevated CA-125 levels due to other factors.

• Imaging Scans: A transvaginal ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be performed. These scans produce images of the fallopian tubes and ovaries and the presence of cysts and tumors.

• Biopsy: The provider may perform a biopsy to determine the stage of fallopian tube cancer.

• Paracentesis: In case of accumulation of peritoneal fluid in your abdomen (ascites), the provider will use a needle to sample the fluid. A laboratory examines the fluid for cancer cells.

What Are the Stages of Fallopian Tube Carcinoma?

Cancer staging is used by healthcare providers to describe the location and spread of cancer. This data assists providers in selecting the most effective treatment. Staging is frequently accomplished through surgery or imaging (CT or PET) scans. A biopsy is usually performed as part of a fallopian tube cancer surgery. The surgeon removes the fallopian tube and any nearby lymph nodes. A specialist examines the tissue samples from the tube and lymph nodes for cancer cells.

The following are the stages of fallopian tube cancer:

Stage 1: Cancer affects one or both fallopian tubes.

Stage 2: Cancer has spread to a fallopian tube and nearby pelvic tissues.

Stage 3: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes or organs outside of the pelvic region.

Stage 4: Cancer has affected distant organs such as the lungs or brain.

How Is Fallopian Tube Carcinoma Treated?

The stage of the disease determines treatment for fallopian tube cancer. Treatment options include:

Surgery - Surgery is done to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) and the fallopian tube and the ovary (salpingo-oophorectomy).

Targeted Therapy - Targeted therapy is used to halt the growth of specific cancer cells while causing minimal harm to healthy cells.

Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy can shrink the tumor before surgery or kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Chemotherapy is sometimes administered during surgery to allow for a higher concentration of the drug in the abdomen. This is known as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Clinical Trials - Clinical trials are being conducted to test promising new therapies still in development.

How Is Fallopian Tube Carcinoma Prevented?

If one has a family history of breast, ovarian, or fallopian tube cancer, the doctor may recommend a genetic test to look for BRCA gene mutations. The test can determine whether one has a BRCA mutation or a syndrome that increases the risk of developing gynecological cancers. If one has a mutation, a salpingo-oophorectomy surgery can reduce cancer risk by up to 96 percent. These precautions may also lower the risk of fallopian tube cancer:

• Breastfeeding.

• Choose hormonal birth control methods like the pill, a hormone-based IUD, or implants.

• However, if one has a BRCA gene mutation, consult the health care provider about the options.

• Reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking.

• Maintain a healthy diet and physical activity.

• If necessary, lose weight.

• Menopause symptoms can be managed with nonhormonal treatments.

What Is the Prognosis of Fallopian Tube Carcinoma?

Survival rates for people with fallopian tube cancer vary depending on the cancer stage and other factors such as age. When cancer is detected early, the prognosis is the best before it spreads. The five-year survival rates (the chances of surviving five years after the initial diagnosis) are as follows:

Stage 1 - 90 to 95 percent.

Stage 2 - 70 to 80 percent.

Stage 3 - 50 to 60 percent.

Stage 4 - 20 percent.

Conclusion

Fallopian tube cancer is extremely uncommon. Only about one percent of all female reproductive cancers begin in the fallopian tubes. This type of cancer can be cured. If one has been diagnosed, the doctor can help in understanding the treatment options.