Fallopian Tube Cancer

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer can be done through the following methods:

• Pelvic examination: Patients undergo a comprehensive pelvic examination to determine the cause of the symptoms. The patients are also enquired about their medical history, family history, and medications that assist the cancer specialists in determining the level of risk of fallopian tube cancer. If the patient is suspected of having fallopian tube cancer or other serious condition, they should undergo further examinations.
• Computed tomography: CT scan provides cross-sectional and 3D images of the internal organs, tissues, blood vessels, and bones in the body. It evaluates the pelvis, chest, and lymph nodes for abnormal cells. It also determines cancer staging by scanning the body for cancer metastasis. The patients may undergo a CT scan during a biopsy (CT-guided biopsy).
• Ultrasound: Transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound is used for abnormal cells in the fallopian tube. Ultrasound helps find the fallopian tube tumors and assists in differentiating the fluid-filled cyst and solid tumor. It also helps evaluate the fallopian tube's overall health in terms of size and shape. Fluid accumulation in the abdomen can also be detected through an ultrasound.
• Blood tests: Certain tumor markers are present in the blood or other fluids removed from the body. One of the tumor markers is cancer antigen 125 (CA 125). The level of CA 125 is abnormal in the case of certain cancers, including fallopian tube cancer. However, it is important to note that abnormal CA 125 may also be due to other conditions. Further, women with normal CA 125 levels may also have fallopian tube cancer. Blood tests also assist in determining the health status of other organs, such as kidneys (BUN and creatinine), to find if cancer has spread to these organs.
• Paracentesis: When the imaging techniques reveal abdominal fluid accumulation, the patient is advised to undergo paracentesis. Paracentesis is the process of draining the fluid from the abdomen. The fluid is collected and sent to the laboratory for examination for cancer cells.
• Biopsy: Biopsy involves the removal of a small section of abnormal tissue from the fallopian tube or other body parts (where the spread of cancer is suspected) and sending it to the laboratory for detecting cancer cells. The biopsy for obtaining the sample tissues from the fallopian tube may be through laparoscopy or laparotomy. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that involves making a small incision and taking the sample through a laparoscope. Laparotomy is performed by making a large incision in the abdominal region.
• Magnetic resonance imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging provides high-quality 3D images of the pelvic regions. It helps detect fallopian tube cancer and provides information about the spread of cancer to nearby tissues.
• Positron emission tomography: PET scan involves the use of radioactive material that is taken up by the cancer cells. It helps diagnose primary and secondary fallopian tube cancer and the recurrence of fallopian tube cancer.
• Chest X-ray: Chest X-ray is recommended if the patients have pulmonary symptoms and cancer is suspected of spreading to the lungs.