Fallopian Tube Cancer

Why choose us for fallopian tube cancer care?

Fallopian tube cancer is a very rare gynecological cancer that affects the female reproductive system. At Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, you can receive expert care from doctors who specialize in rare fallopian tube tumors.

Fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists and other cancer specialists work as a team to personalize your care. We offer sophisticated cancer therapies and supportive treatments, such as fertility preservation services.

Fallopian tube cancer is one of several gynecological cancers we treat. Learn more about our gynecologic oncology program.

What you need to know about fallopian tube cancer

• The fallopian tubes sit on each side of the uterus, inside the pelvic area. Their primary reproductive role is transporting eggs (ova) from the ovaries to the uterus (womb).
• Fallopian tube cancer happens when cancer cells begin growing inside the fallopian tube (often where the tube ends close to the ovary).
• Research shows notable advantages when people with fallopian tube cancer seek care from gynecologic oncologists (doctors whose sole focus is treating gynecological cancers). Our highly trained gynecologic surgeons provide research-based fallopian tube cancer care.
• Fallopian tube cancer most commonly affects women after menopause, but it can occur at any age. Women who haven’t had children are at higher risk.
• Certain gene mutations (changes) increase the risk of developing fallopian tube cancer. At our cancer genetics and high-risk screening clinic, you can learn more about your level of risk. We also give personalized guidance on how to protect your health or detect cancer early.

How to talk to your doctor about fallopian tube cancer

Cancer affects every person differently. We offer you support right from the start. Our team will explain your diagnosis in a way you can understand.

We talk through your treatment options and listen to your care preferences. We make sure to answer all your questions or concerns, including how cancer treatment could affect your reproductive health.

You might want to ask your doctor about:

• Additional testing you might need and how test results guide your treatment plan
• Cancer stage, including where cancer originated and whether it has spread to other organs
• Treatment options, including oncofertility services that help you preserve reproductive options before cancer treatment
• Clinical trials you may be eligible for, such as targeted therapies
• Support services, including how to connect with members of Purple Heals, our large, active support group of local gynecological cancer survivors

Cancer support comes in many forms. Having a friendly face by your side at appointments may provide comfort when you may feel overwhelmed. We encourage you to involve family members or loved ones in your care, however it feels right for you.

Types

We treat all types of fallopian tube cancers, including:

• Adenocarcinoma develops from glandular cells that make up the lining of fallopian tubes. Adenocarcinoma makes up the majority of fallopian tube cancers.
• Secondary fallopian tube cancer describes cancer that starts in another area of the body and spreads to the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms

Fallopian tube cancer often causes vague symptoms or no symptoms at all. Women with fallopian tube cancer may experience:

• Abdominal bloating (a full, tight belly)
• Feeling full easily or unusual disinterest in eating
• Tenderness or pressure around the abdomen (midsection)
• Changes to bathroom habits, such as constipation or feeling the need to urinate often

Diagnosis

Our cancer doctors specialize in rare gynecological cancers, such as fallopian tube cancers. To diagnose fallopian tube cancer, we first perform a pelvic examination to check the area around the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes for abnormal growths.

We may recommend one or more other tests to learn more about what’s causing your symptoms:

• Imaging tests like CT or MRI scans help doctors confirm or rule out the presence of an abnormal mass (tumor).
• Blood tests measure the levels of a chemical called a tumor marker (Ca 125) that cancer cells make.
• Biopsy carefully removes a small sample of tissue from the area of concern so that gynecologic pathologists can analyze cells under a microscope.

Learn more about diagnosing cancer.

Treatment

Fallopian tube treatment usually involves cancer removal surgery and chemotherapy. A highly trained cancer doctor (gynecologic oncologist) will perform your surgery and prescribe chemotherapy. Having one oncologist lead your cancer team helps us understand your needs and deliver precise, personalized care.

Our team also includes many other cancer specialists, including surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists. We work together to personalize fallopian tube cancer treatment using leading cancer science and surgical techniques. Surgeons may work together to remove cancer that has spread to other organs.

Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy after surgery. In some cases, we may administer an advanced type of chemotherapy medicine to tumor cells during surgery. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) requires specialized training and is not widely available in our region.

Find out more about cancer treatments.

Research and clinical trials

Our physician-scientists participate in local and nationwide clinical trials to improve care for many gynecological cancers such as fallopian tube cancer. These trials offer eligible patients the opportunity to access new cancer drugs, such as targeted therapy, before they’re widely available.

Get more information about cancer clinical trials and research.