What Is Fallopian Tube Cancer?

What Is Fallopian Tube Cancer?

by Dr. Suvadip Chakrabarti

Posted on 29th March, 2023 at 7:46:34 AM


Fallopian tube cancer is cancer that starts in the fallopian tubes. It is a tube that connects a woman’s ovaries to their uterus. Every month the ovary releases one egg into the fallopian tube, which either gets fertilized by sperm or passes out of the body during the menstrual period, says the best gynae oncologist in Kolkata.

Only about 1% of all reproductive cancers in women begin in the fallopian tubes. Fallopian tube cancer is relatively rare but treatable.

Causes

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes fallopian tube cancer. One can have an enhanced chance of developing it if they have:

  • Never breastfed a child
  • Never given birth
  • Never used birth control pills

If one has a close relative with breast or ovarian cancer, it can also raise their risk. Fallopian tube cancer can occur at any age, but it is typically seen in women in their 50s or 60s. Having one or more risks for fallopian cancer doesn’t indicate that one will get this cancer. Yet one should discuss their risks with their doctor, says the best gynae oncologist in Kolkata.

Symptoms

Some women who have this cancer don’t show any signs of it, but if they do, they can include:

  • Bleeding from the vagina when they are not on their period
  • Pain or pressure in the belly
  • White, pink, or clear discharge from the vagina
  • Lump or swelling in the belly

Several conditions can cause these symptoms. If one has them, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have cancer. But, one should always get checked by their doctor to be sure.

Diagnosis

Tests that are done to diagnose this condition are:

  • Pelvic exam
  • Ultrasound
  • Pap test
  • CT scan
  • Biopsy
  • MRI

Treatment

The primary treatment for fallopian tube cancer is surgery. The type of surgery one gets recommended depends on the cancer’s stage, size, and location, says the best gynae oncologist in Kolkata.

Pregnancy After Fallopian Tube Cancer

If one is still in their childbearing years when diagnosed, treatment for this type of cancer can affect fertility. Surgery to extract one’s ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes can make it difficult to get pregnant in the future. Chemotherapy can also damage these organs or put one in early menopause.

Yet one can get pregnant after they are treated for fallopian tube cancer. The doctor may be able to extract just one ovary and fallopian tube. If one wants to have children, one should consult a doctor about their options before surgery.

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