Fallopian Tube Cancer Treatment in Indore

Fallopian Tube Cancer – Detailed Description

Fallopian tube cancer is a rare type of gynecologic cancer that begins in the fallopian tubes, the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. It is often difficult to detect early because symptoms are subtle or nonspecific. Most cases are epithelial tumours, arising from the cells lining the tube, and share similarities with ovarian cancer in behaviour and treatment.

Aetiology & Risk Factors

The exact cause is unknown, but several risk factors predispose susceptibility:

Genetic mutations, mainly BRCA1 and BRCA2

Family history of ovarian, breast or fallopian tube cancer

Age over 50-most cases diagnosed postmenopause

History of breast or ovarian cancer

Less well-established hormonal factors and infertility treatment

Symptoms

Symptoms are often vague and appear late, hence early diagnosis is difficult:

Abdominal or pelvic pain

Abdominal bloating or swelling

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Pelvic mass palpable on examination

Urinary urgency or constipation

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is by imaging, laboratory tests, and surgical assessment:

Pelvic ultrasound: to detect masses of the fallopian tubes or ovaries

CT scan or MRI to determine the extent of spread to pelvic or abdominal organs

CA-125 blood test is elevated in many cases, but not specific

Surgical biopsy: definitive diagnosis, often at the time of exploratory surgery

Histopathology - determines the type and grade of tumour

Overview of Treatment

Treatment of fallopian tube cancer is similar to that of ovarian cancer and depends on stage, tumour grade, and patient health.

1. Surgery

Total hysterectomy- removal of the uterus

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy - surgical removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries

Omentectomy - removal of the fatty tissue in the abdomen if cancer has spread

Lymph node sampling to evaluate the dissemination of cancer

Cytoreductive surgery attempts to remove all evident tumours.

2. Chemotherapy

Standard treatment after surgery for most stages

Common drugs paclitaxel and carboplatin

May be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) for large or advanced tumours

3. Targeted Therapy

For patients with BRCA mutations, PARP inhibitors can be considered.

Other molecularly targeted therapies may be available depending on genetic testing

4. Radiation Therapy

Rarely used as a primary treatment; may be considered for localised recurrence or palliation.

5. Palliative Care

Treatment focuses on symptom relief in advanced stages.

Includes management of pain, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), and bowel or urinary symptoms

Prognosis

Early-stage detection has a good prognosis.

Advanced disease has a poorer survival rate, akin to ovarian cancer.

Prognosis is based on tumour stage, histologic type, and response to therapy.

Follow-up & Monitoring

Routine follow-up imaging and blood studies (e.g., CA-125) posttreatment

Physical examinations and follow-up for recurrence, Long-term supportive care for treatment side effects