Early Detection Improves Outcomes
Once thought to be relatively uncommon, this type of cancer is managed and treated much the same as ovarian cancer. As with any cancer, the earlier fallopian tube cancer can be detected, the better the outcome. However, because fallopian cancers don’t always present with early symptoms, the disease can be advanced upon diagnosis.
Pelvic pain, discharge, and a pelvic mass are the most common symptoms of fallopian tube cancer. However, it is rare for all of these symptoms to present simultaneously.
Menopausal status can play a role in how symptoms are managed and in the diagnostic process of fallopian tube cancer.
Post-menopausal women who are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding warrant a thorough and timely evaluation.
Cancer can begin in any of the different cell types that make up the fallopian tubes.
The most common type is adenocarcinoma (camcerous cells from glands). Less common are leiomyosarcoma (a cancer of smooth muscle cells) and transitional cell carcinoma (a cancer of the cells lining the fallopian tubes).
In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose fallopian tube cancer:
Pelvic examination
The doctor feels the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum to check for any unusual changes.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of internal organs. In a transvaginal ultrasound, an ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina and aimed at the uterus to obtain the images.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The sample excised during the biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs).
Molecular testing
Your doctor may recommend running laboratory tests on a tumor sample to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumor. Results of these tests will help decide whether your treatment options include a type of treatment called targeted therapy. Often times this is done as part of a clinical trial.
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
A CT scan creates a three-dimensional image of the inside of the body with an X-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a patient’s vein to provide better detail.
Combined PET/CT Scanning
Combined PET/CT scanning joins two imaging tests, CT and positron emission tomography (PET), into one procedure. A PET scan creates colored pictures of chemical changes (metabolic activity) in tissues. Because cancerous tumors usually are more active than normal tissue, they appear different on a PET scan.
Combining CT with PET scanning may provide a more complete picture of a tumor’s location, growth or spread than either test alone. The combined procedure can improve a healthcare professional’s ability to diagnose cancer, determine how far it has spread, and follow patient’s responses to treatment. The combined PET/CT scan may also reduce the number of additional imaging tests and other procedures a patient needs.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An MRI uses magnetic fields, not X-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. A contrast medium may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a clearer picture.
Treatment options generally involve surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is rarely used.
Surgery
The stage of the tumor determines the type of surgery used.
Early stage fallopian tube cancer, when the tumor is limited to the fallopian tubes, is treated by surgical removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (called a salpingo-oophorectomy).
If the cancer has spread, the surgeon may remove the uterus (called a hysterectomy) and other structures in the abdomen and pelvis, including a fat pad called the omentum and nearby lymph nodes, to biopsy and conduct tests for the presence of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is usually given after surgery for fallopian tube cancer.
A chemotherapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive one drug at a time or combinations of different drugs at the same time.
The most common types of chemotherapy to treat fallopian tube cancer are paclitaxel (Taxol) and carboplatin (Paraplat, Paraplatin).
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but they can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to normal cells. Targeted agents are often used along with standard chemotherapy agents to enhance their effectiveness. A number of agents are being used secondarily as a part of active ongoing clinical trials.