Cancer of the fallopian tube

• the fallopian tubes are tubular structures that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Cancer of the fallopian tube occurs when cells of a tubal multiply uncontrollably and form a tumor. As this grows, the horn compresses and stretches it, causing pain. Over time, the cancer can spread to the pelvis and abdomen.
• This cancer is rare and is more frequent dissemination of cancer originating in another organ into the Fallopian tube (generally an ovary, breast or uterine lining) than the development of a new cancer in this location.
• Scientists do not know if there are environmental factors or lifestyle factors that increase the risk of this cancer, but researchers admit that some women may inherit a tendency to develop this disease.
• There is good evidence that women who have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have a higher risk of developing cancer of the fallopian tube. The mutations (changes) in this gene have also been linked to breast cancer and ovarian cancer. So, if you are diagnosed this cancer, consider the possibility of testing to identify these mutations.
Treatment
Treatment of cancer of the fallopian tube may include surgery, chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy.
The extent of the surgery depends on the degree of tumor spread. If this is contained in the fallopian tube, the surgeon will remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. This procedure is called hysterectomy. However, if the tumor has spread outside the tube, it may be necessary to remove the lymph nodes and other tissues.
After surgery, some doctors recommend radiotherapy. The patient may also be undergoing chemotherapy with or without radiation.
After treatment, the blood levels of CA-125 is assessed regularly, which can help physicians determine if there is persistence of cancer or if it recurred.
Prevention
Currently there is no way to prevent cancer of the fallopian tube. Since this is a rare disease have not been identified so far but any risk factors, such as in ovarian and breast cancer, women with mutations in the BRCA gene are at higher risk for development of cancer.