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CANCER OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBES

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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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