Women’s Cancer Communication Project
Coordinated by the European Institute of Women’s Health
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The fallopian tubes carry the eggs to the womb. They are a pair of ducts on either side of the womb. |
Cancer actually starting in the fallopian tubes is very rare, there has only been around 1500 cases of it world-wide. Cancer usually occurs in the fallopian tubes as a result of it spreading there from other sites (e.g. the ovaries). It is more common in post menopausal women, but it can occur in younger women.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Pressure symptoms
- Abdominal discomfort
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- These symptoms are however not specific to cancer of the fallopian tubes.
TREATMENT
As it is difficult to detect, it is normally discovered at a late stage.
If caught early, treatment can involve chemotherapy.
In pre-menopausal women, fertility usually remains.
If caught at a later stage, treatment will involve surgery.
This may require the removal of one or both ovaries, together with the fallopian tubes. A hysterectomy may also be carried out, this is due to the fact that this cancer, like a lot of others, can spread.
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