Fallopian tube cancer typically forms in the cells that line the inside of the fallopian tubes, the two small ducts that connect the ovaries to the uterus.
If a woman has not gone through menopause, her ovaries produce eggs (ova) that travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. They help move the eggs to the uterus.
Fallopian tube cancer types
The main type of primary fallopian tube cancer is high grade serous adenocarcinoma. These cancers start in the cells lining the fallopian tubes.
Primary fallopian tube cancers are often indistinguishable from primary ovarian cancers because women present at very advanced stages. In fact, studies have demonstrated that most high grade serous ovarian cancers likely arose from fallopian tube epithelium.
Fallopian tube cancer risk factors
Fallopian tube cancer risk factors are similar to ovarian cancer risk factors. Risk factors may include:
- Age, race and number of children: Fallopian tube cancer can occur in women of any age, but it most often is found in women between 60 to 66 years old.
- Family history of fallopian tube or ovarian cancer
- Gene mutations: Women who have certain gene mutations may have a higher risk of fallopian tube cancer. These include:
- BRCA gene mutations, particularly BRCA1, which cause high risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- One of the genes that cause hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HPNCC), also called Lynch syndrome
Some women have a lower risk of getting fallopian tube cancer. These include women who have:
- Used birth control pills
- Delivered and breast-fed children. The more children you have had, the lower your risk of fallopian tube cancer.
Not everyone with risk factors gets fallopian tube cancer. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your health care provider.
If you are concerned about inherited family syndromes that may cause fallopian tube cancer, learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.
Learn more about fallopian tube cancer:
Fallopian tube cancer
This episode discusses Fallopian tube cancer, a very rare tumor, and how it compares to typical ovarian cancer. Topics include treatment, diagnosis, and symptoms.
Should you have your fallopian tubes removed to reduce your...
A woman could have her fallopian tubes removed for any number of reasons. Sometimes, it’s necessary to treat an ectopic pregnancy or...
Why come to MD Anderson for your fallopian tube cancer care?
Fallopian tube cancer treatment at MD Anderson's Gynecologic Oncology Center includes comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that is planned by some of the nation's top experts. Your care team may include medical, surgical and radiation oncologists; pathologists; and diagnostic radiologists, all working toward the best possible treatment outcome. MD Anderson diagnoses and treats more patients with fallopian tube cancer than most oncologists in the United States.
MD Anderson uses the latest, most advanced technology and techniques to treat fallopian tube cancer. Among these are innovative surgical techniques, including minimally invasive options for some patients.
Studies have shown that the success of any surgery depends a great deal on the skill of the surgeon. MD Anderson's renowned surgeons have some of the highest levels of experience and expertise in fallopian tube cancer procedures and treating recurring cases.
Pioneering fallopian tube cancer research
If you are at high risk for fallopian tube cancer because of inherited genetic conditions, such as BRCA or HNPCC, MD Anderson offers complete genetic testing. Results can help you learn if you or your family members are at risk of certain types of cancer, including fallopian tube cancer.
Fallopian tube cancer is like ovarian cancer in some ways. Many studies in our renowned ovarian cancer research program are open to women with fallopian tube cancer. This enables us to offer a wider range of clinical trials than many other cancer centers.
And, at MD Anderson you're surrounded by the strength of one of the nation's top comprehensive cancer centers. We have all the support and wellness services needed to treat not just the disease, but the whole person.
MD Anderson fallopian tube cancer patients can get treatment at the following locations.
