A rare form of cancer that usually does not occur on its own, but most times from the spread of cancer from other organs like the ovaries, Uterus, and endometrium. The fallopian tube is the tube connecting the ovaries and the Uterus.
So, the normal cells in one or both tubes begin to grow uncontrollably and form a cancerous mass that can spread to other organs.
What causes fallopian tube cancer? Doctors cannot tell if environmental factors could cause this, so preventive methods and causes are not precise. But a risk factor is a family member who may have Breast or ovarian cancer.
Also, Mutation in these genes, BRCA1, and BRCA2 (Breast cancer gene 1 and Breast cancer gene 2), can increase the risk of fallopian tube cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. This gene helps control the growth of cancer cells.
Fallopian tube cancer is in four stages; the last stage is when cancer has spread beyond both tubes to other parts of the body.
Fallopian tube cancer signs and Symptoms
Early symptoms of this cancer are difficult to detect. Fallopian tube cancer may have symptoms like other health conditions that may rage the human body.
Symptoms include,
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be alarming if this occurs after menopause
- Indigestion and nausea
- Feeling full after eating a small portion of food
- Abnormal bloating
- Weight loss
- Pelvic pain
- Constant urge to urinate
- Fatigue
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding: These may occur in between periods.
- A lump in the pelvic
- Painful sexual intercourse
Usually, when a complaint is made, the Doctor examines the pelvis and abdomen to feel for any mass. Another test that may be carried out is a transvaginal ultrasound in which a probe is inserted into the vagina to check for changes in the reproductive tract. A computed tomography scan(CT scan) may be done as well.
A blood test may show raised levels of CA125. It is a tumor marker; the levels are raised in conditions such as Fibroids and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
Surgery is often considered first to remove the tumor from the fallopian tube and other parts of the pelvis and abdomen where lumps could be. This is further tested to know how far spread the cancer is gone.
The next stage of treatment to be considered then depends on how much has spread, the patient’s age, other health conditions, and if the cancer is recurrent. Your Doctor may recommend chemotherapy drugs after your surgery to prevent cancer.
This article aims at giving you more insights into some of the symptoms and not for self-diagnosis.
Speaking to a doctor about your symptoms greatly helps in this process. It can help to be in support groups with people who may have had rare cancer or have this same type as you to help you cope better and understand that you can overcome it too. Click here to read more
