A Rare Case Of Fallopian Tube Cancer

Abstract:

Fallopian tube carcinoma is a very rare malignancy
and we report a case of stage IIC primary fallopian
tube                                       cancer.

Key Words: Fallopian tube, Primary carcinoma

Introduction:

Cancer of the fallopian tube accounts for only 1 to 2
percent of all gynecologic cancers.(1) Primary
adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube is usually
unilateral and is extremely rare. About 1,500 to
2,000 cases of fallopian tube cancer have been
reported worldwide. Approximately 300 to 400
women are diagnosed with the condition annually in
the United States. It is more common for cancer to
spread, or metastasize, from other parts of the
body, such as the ovaries or endometrial, than for
cancer to actually originate in the fallopian tubes.

Fallopian tube cancer typically affects women be-
tween the ages of 50 and 60, although it can occur
at any age. It is more common in Caucasian women
who have had few or no children. Because this can-
cer is so rare, little is known about what causes it.
However, researchers are investigating whether ge-
netics play a role. There is evidence that women
who have inherited the gene linked to breast and
ovarian cancer, called BRCA1, are also at an in-
creased risk of developing fallopian tube cancer.

The symptoms of fallopian tube cancer also may
mimic those of other gynecological problems. Some
of the more common symptoms of the disease are
a) abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after
menopause b) abdominal pain or a feeling of pres-
sure in the abdomen c) abnormal vaginal discharge
that is white, clear or pinkish d) a pelvic mass at the
time of diagnosis, which is present in up to two-
thirds of patients.

Case Report:

A 48 years old lady, mother of one child, was admit-
ted at NRS Medical College, Kolkata on 13.02.2005
with acute pain and a mass in the lower abdomen
for 5 days. She was a resident of Purbasthali, in Bur-
dhwan district. Her menstrual history was normal
and she was referred by a consultant with a diagno-
sis of a acute torsion of ovarian tumour. On exami-
nation, the patient was haemodyanamically stable,
pulse rate 86/min, blood pressure 126/84 mmHg,
had mild pallor and normal breasts. Abdomen was
soft. There was an ill-defined, tender mass in the
lower abdomen, partly cystic and partly solid in feel,
variegated surface and of the size of 6"X6" with re-
stricted mobility. The pain subsided on conservative
treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs,
sedation and analgesics. On further investigations,
hemoglobin was 8gm%, and other routine blood bio-
chemistry were normal. Ultra sound examination
showed a pelvic mass of possible ovarian origin aris-
ing from the left side. The other ovary and uterus
appeared normal and healthy. Upper abdomen did
not reveal any evidence of metastasis.

Photo of postoperative specimen of fallopian tubal cancerous mass along with normal uterus and ovaries

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