Fallopian tube cancer

What is fallopian tube cancer?

Fallopian tube cancer is a rare cancer affecting one or both fallopian tubes (the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus).

More than 95% of fallopian tube cancers grow in the cells that line the fallopian tubes. But sometimes the cancer can form in the smooth muscle of the fallopian tubes.

The below picture shows the female reproductive organs.

Symptoms

Many people don’t have any symptoms in the early stages of fallopian tube cancer. But possible symptoms can include:

• abdominal swelling and pain
• a feeling of pressure against the bowel or bladder
• feeling like you can’t fully empty your bowel or bladder
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• watery or bloody discharge.

See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. They may be due to other conditions or health issues (e.g. digestion and bowel problems), but it’s important to check.

Causes

We don’t know the exact cause of fallopian tube cancer and there are no screening tests available.

Some people who develop fallopian tube cancer don’t have any risk factors.

But risk factors can include:

• age (most people with fallopian tube cancer are over 50)
• family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, or bowel cancer
• having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
• having a genetic condition such as Lynch syndrome
• never having children.

Diagnosis

Most cases of fallopian tube cancer are hard to detect during a physical examination, unless the cancer is advanced and can be felt as a mass. It can be difficult to differentiate between fallopian tube and ovarian cancers.

Fallopian tube cancer may be detected during tests for other conditions.

If you notice symptoms, see your doctor. They will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history and family health history. You may also need to have blood and urine (wee) tests.

If your examination and test results suggest you may have fallopian tube cancer, your doctor will refer you to a gynaecological oncologist (a specialist in gynaecological cancers) straight away.

You may need more tests to diagnose fallopian tube cancer. For example:

• a transvaginal ultrasound (internal ultrasound via the vagina)
• a biopsy – a sample of cells is taken from your fallopian tubes and tested in a laboratory
• imaging tests (e.g. CT and MRI scans)
• a laparotomy – an abdominal operation to look at the fallopian tubes and surrounding organs for signs of cancer and to remove cancer cells for testing.

Treatment

Treatment for fallopian cancer depends on the extent of the cancer. It may include:

• surgery
• radiotherapy
• chemotherapy
• hormonal therapy
• palliative treatment.

Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can cause menopause. Learn more about menopause due to cancer treatment.

When to see your doctor

It’s important to see your doctor if you notice any symptoms of fallopian tube cancer. In most cases, early detection and diagnosis lead to good outcomes.

Related resources

For more information about fallopian tube cancer, visit the Cancer Australia website, or the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. You can also read the fallopian tube cancer section in the Cancer Council Ovarian Cancer booklet.

If you would like to speak to a nurse for general information and support, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 (9 am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

This web page is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health practitioner. The information above is based on current medical knowledge, evidence and practice as at April 2023.