Fallopian Tube Cancer

This cancer may be caused by:

• Changes in certain genes that are passed from parent to child (inherited).

• Other cancers.

You may be more likely to get this type of cancer if:

• Someone in your family has had breast, fallopian tube, or ovarian cancer.

• You have inherited:

  • A condition that raises your risk of cancer. This includes Lynch syndrome.

  • Certain genes called the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

• You are not able to get pregnant (are infertile) or choose not to get pregnant.

• You have endometriosis. This is when tissues from the uterus grow outside of the uterus.

• You use estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

• You are 50 years of age or older.

Symptoms of this cancer include:

• Pain or pressure in the area between your hips (pelvis).

• A lump or mass near your pelvis.

• Watery discharge from your vagina. The discharge may be clear, white, or bloody.

• Bleeding from your vagina that is not normal.

• Pain during sex.

• Back pain.

• Stomach problems. These may include:

  • Bloating, pressure, pain, or swelling.

  • An upset stomach (indigestion) or constipation.

  • Gas.

  • Trouble eating.

  • Feeling full after eating a small amount.

• Needing to pee (urinate) more often than normal. It may also feel more urgent.

This type of cancer may be diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. The exam may include a check of your ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vulva, and the lowest part of your uterus (cervix). It may also include a check of your bladder and rectum. You may also have tests done. These may include:

• An ultrasound inside your vagina (transvaginal).

• Blood tests.

• X-rays, CT scan, PET scan, or MRI.

• A biopsy. This is when a small piece of tissue is removed for testing.

• A test of the fluid that has built up in your abdomen.

If you have cancer, it will be staged based on:

• The size of the abnormal growth of cells (tumor).

• If the cancer has spread.

• Where the cancer has spread.

Treatment depends on the stage of cancer. It may include:

• Surgery to remove the cancer. This may be done with other treatments. It may involve:

  • Taking out one or both fallopian tubes. This is called a salpingectomy.

  • Taking out one or both ovaries. This is called an oophorectomy.

  • Taking out both the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This is called a salpingo-oophorectomy.

  • Taking out other organs or tissues.

• Chemotherapy. These are medicines that kill cancer cells.

• Targeted therapy. This uses drugs to attack certain parts of cancer cells. It can kill the cells or stop them from growing.

• Radiation therapy. This uses X-rays to kill cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy. This uses the body’s defense system (immune system) to fight the cancer.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your provider.

• Talk to your provider about side effects that you may get from treatment and how to prepare for them.

• Think about joining a support group for people with fallopian tube cancer. This can give you resources and information.

Keep all follow-up visits. You may need more than one dose of treatment. You may also need to do more than one type of treatment. If you have had surgery, your incision will need to be checked.

This cancer cannot be fully prevented. But you may be able to lower your risk by:

• Taking birth control pills.

• Breastfeeding your baby.

• Having more than one full-term pregnancy.

• Having a surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy) or getting your tubes tied.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Get help right away. Call 911.

• Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.

• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.