Fallopian Tube Cancer
This is a rather uncommon cancer of reproductive tract system, representing 0.3 to 0.5% of all gynecologic cancers. There have been less than 1500 cases reported in the entire world. Other cancers have a tendency to spread to this site and a approximately 80 to 90% of cancers involving the tube are metastatic from other sites. The diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer is rarely suspected prior to a surgery .
Symptoms
This condition may remain silent for a while, however it may become evident when patients experience any of the following problems:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Abdominal discomfort or pressure symptoms
The pain experienced by patients is often cramping in nature and is relieved by the passage of blood or a watery discharge. Pain, combined with a profuse clear vaginal discharge, may be indicative of a tubal cancer. A palpable tumor mass accompanying these symptoms should raise the suspicion of tubal cancer.
Staging
- Stage 0, In situ cancer , minimally aggressive with no spread
- Stage I Growth limited to fallopian tubes
- Stage II Growth involving one or both fallopian tubes with extension to pelvis
- Stage III Tumor involving one or both fallopian tubes with spread outside pelvis
- Stage IV Growth involving one or both fallopian tubes with distant metastases.
Treatment
The essential element in treatment of this cancer is aggressive surgery by complete removal of both tubes, both ovaries and the uterus along with sampling of intra abdominal and pelvic lymph glands. In patients with advanced stages , further treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be indicated.
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. The earlier stages of this illness carry a very good prognosis. the statistics are rather limited due to rarity of this condition.
