Radiation for stage 1 fallopian tube cancer. Fallopian tube cancer

– malignant tumor lesion of the fallopian tube of a primary, secondary or metastatic nature. With cancer of the fallopian tube, abdominal pain, discharge of serous or purulent leucorrhoea, an increase in the volume of the abdomen due to ascites, and a violation of the general condition are noted. Diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer is based on data from a gynecological examination, ultrasound, examination of aspirate and scrapings from the uterine cavity. The best tactic is combination treatment– panhysterectomy with a postoperative course of radiation and chemotherapy.

General information

In gynecology, cancer of the fallopian tube is relatively rare, in 0.11–1.18% of cases of malignant neoplasms of female reproductive organs. The disease is usually detected in patients over 50 years of age. The tumor process is often unilateral and affects the ampulla of the fallopian tube. Less commonly, fallopian tube cancer is bilateral.

Causes and development

Modern gynecology does not yet have a clearly defined opinion on the causes of the development of fallopian tube cancer. Predisposing factors include repeated inflammation of the appendages (salpingitis, adnexitis), and age over 45-50 years. Patients often have a history of absence of labor or infertility associated with amenorrhea or anovulatory cycles. IN last years theory is considered viral etiology in the development of fallopian tube cancer, in particular the role of herpes virus type II and human papillomavirus.

As the tumor grows, stretching and deformation of the fallopian tube occurs, which becomes retort-shaped, ovoid, or other irregular shape. The tumor, as a rule, has the appearance of a cauliflower with a finely lumpy, finely villous surface, grayish or pinkish-white in color. Hemorrhages, necrosis, and obstruction develop inside the fallopian tube; rupture of the stretched pipe walls is possible. External surface the affected fallopian tube acquires a gray-bluish or dark purple color, due to pronounced discirculatory disorders.

When the ampullary opening of the tube is sealed, a picture of hydro-, hemato- or pyosalpinx develops. In the case of an open ampulla, tumor masses can protrude into the abdominal cavity in the form of individual tumor nodes or warty growths. As a result of perifocal inflammation in fallopian tube cancer, adhesions are formed with the omentum, uterus, and intestinal loops.

Tumor dissemination in fallopian tube cancer can occur by lymphogenous, hematogenous and implantation methods. The lymphogenous route of metastasis is observed more often, which is due to the abundant supply of the fallopian tube lymphatic vessels. Metastases of fallopian tube cancer are first detected in the inguinal, lumbar and supraclavicular lymph nodes. Unified network blood supply to the internal genitalia provides secondary damage to the ovaries, uterus and its ligamentous apparatus, vagina. By implantation, fallopian tube cancer can disseminate along the serous cover of the visceral and parietal peritoneum, involving the omentum, intestines, adrenal gland, liver, spleen and other organs in the generalized process.

Classification

A malignant process in the fallopian tube can develop initially (primary fallopian tube cancer) or be a consequence of the spread of cancer of the uterus or ovaries (secondary cancer). Metastasis to the fallopian tubes of breast, stomach, and intestinal cancer also occurs ( metastatic cancer). According to histological type, fallopian tube cancer is most often represented by adenocarcinoma (serous, endometrioid, mucinous, clear cell, transitional cell, undifferentiated).

For staging fallopian tube cancer in gynecology, 2 classifications are accepted - TNM and FIGO. TNM classification is based on determining the extent of the primary tumor (T), regional lymph node involvement (N), and the presence of distant metastases (M).

Stage 0(Tis) - preinvasive cancer of the fallopian tube (in situ).

Stage I(T1) – cancer has not spread beyond the fallopian tube(s):

• IA (T1a) – cancer is localized in one fallopian tube; does not penetrate the serous membrane; there is no ascites;
• IB (T1b) - cancer is localized in both fallopian tubes Oh; does not penetrate the serous membrane; there is no ascites;
• IC (T1c) – cancer is limited to one or both tubes; infiltrates the serous layer; atypical cells are detected in ascitic effusion or lavage water from abdominal cavity

Stage II(T2) – cancer has spread to one or two fallopian tubes, as well as the pelvic organs:

• IIA (T2a) – tumor spread to the uterus or ovaries
• IIB (T2b) - tumor spread to other pelvic structures
• IIС (T2с) – involvement pelvic organs with the presence of atypical cells in ascitic effusion or flushing water from the abdominal cavity

Stage III(T3) – cancer affects the fallopian tube (tubes), disseminates along the peritoneum beyond the pelvis, metastasizes to regional lymph nodes:

• IIIA (T3a) – microscopic foci of metastasis are detected in the peritoneum outside the pelvis
• IIIB (T3b) – foci of metastasis in the peritoneum less than 2 cm in maximum dimension
• IIIC (T3c/N1) - foci of metastasis more than 2 cm, metastases to regional (inguinal, para-aortic) lymph nodes

Stage IVB(M1) – there are distant metastases of fallopian tube cancer, except metastases in the peritoneum.

Symptoms of fallopian tube cancer

Fallopian tube cancer often appears at an early stage. Since there is an anatomical connection between the fallopian tube and the uterus, tumor decay products and blood enter the vagina through the cavity and cervix, manifesting as pathological discharge.

Discharge from the genital tract can be serous, serous-purulent, or serous-bloody in nature. Acyclic bleeding often occurs in patients reproductive age or spotting varying intensity against the background of menopause. Separate diagnostic curettage performed in these cases does not always make it possible to detect tumor cells, which delays diagnosis.

A pathognomonic sign of fallopian tube cancer is “intermittent dropsy” - periodic discharge of profuse leucorrhoea, coinciding with a decrease in the size of the saccular formation of the appendages. With cancer of the fallopian tube, pain occurs early on the affected side: first of a transient cramping nature, and then constant. Intoxication, temperature reactions, weakness, ascites, metastatic enlargement of the cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes, cachexia is observed with advanced fallopian tube cancer.

Diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer

Carrying out informative preoperative diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer is extremely difficult. Cancer must be differentiated from pyosalpinx, salpigitis, tuberculosis of the fallopian tube, ectopic pregnancy, cancer of the uterine body and ovaries. It is possible to suspect fallopian tube cancer by persistent lymphorrhea mixed with blood, tubal colic, and bleeding.

A vaginal gynecological examination reveals a unilateral or bilateral saccular tumor located along the body of the uterus or in the pouch of Douglas. The palpable tube is usually irregularly retort-shaped or ovoid in shape with areas of uneven consistency.

Examination of secretions and scrapings cervical canal and endometrium, as well as aspirates from the uterine cavity in some cases makes it possible to identify atypical cells. If fallopian tube cancer is suspected, the tumor-associated marker CA-125 is determined in the blood, but its increase is also observed with

Fallopian tube cancer (carcinoma) is a fairly rare pathology and accounts for 0.11-1.18% of tumors of the female genital organs. Overall five-year survival rates range from 14 to 57%. Moreover, the leading factors that have a negative impact on survival are still late diagnosis, incorrect staging, inadequate therapy, and a high incidence of relapses and metastases. Unsatisfactory treatment results force us to look for new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of RMT. The risk factors for this tumor are poorly understood. Fallopian tube carcinomas are most often detected in women in the fifth and sixth decades of life. The clinical picture is nonspecific, as a result, before surgery correct diagnosis is rarely established, and the lack of oncological alertness continues to play its negative role. Most often, the disease is diagnosed at stages III-IV of the disease. The ability of a tumor to implantation, lymphogenous and hematogenous spread determines its aggressive behavior. 5-year survival rates range from 30 to 57%.

Currently, the definition of primary fallopian tube carcinoma is based on the criteria proposed by C.Y. Hu in 1950: (1) the tumor on macroscopic examination is localized in the fallopian tube; (2) upon microscopic examination, the mucous membrane must be completely affected, and the tumor must have a papillary pattern of structure; (3) if the tubal wall is affected over a large area, the transition between the unaffected and affected tubal epithelium should be determined; (4) Most of the tumor is contained in the fallopian tube rather than in the ovary or uterus.

Morphologically, malignant epithelial tumors of the fallopian tubes can be represented by carcinomas of all cell types characteristic of ovarian cancer. The frequency of these types is difficult to ascertain because all large published studies have classified tumors only on the basis of their architecture, dividing them into papillary, alveolar, glandular or solid growth patterns. Nevertheless, most authors identify serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube as one of the main histological types. According to various estimates, its frequency is up to 85%, followed by endometrioid carcinoma (5–42%) and undifferentiated carcinoma (5–10%). Other varieties and histological types of fallopian tube carcinomas are also considered by some authors and are highlighted in the WHO classification, for example, clear cell and papillary carcinomas.

Fallopian tube carcinomas are characterized, as a rule, by unilateral lesions, while right- or left-sided localization occurs with approximately the same frequency. Bilateral tumors are observed in 3–12.5% ​​of cases. The ampullary part of the tube is involved in the process twice as often as the isthmus. Often the tubes appear swollen, sometimes along their entire length, with the end of the fimbriae closed and with accumulation of fluid or blood in the cavity, which gives an outwardly indistinguishable resemblance to hydrosalpings or hematosalpings. It is for this reason that M. Asmussen et al. It is recommended that all dilated tubes be opened and examined intraoperatively. In the presence of large quantity liquid, the consistency of the pipes may be soft, but with palpable dense areas, especially if there is invasion into the pipe wall. The tumor may be visible on the serosal surface or there may be obvious infiltration of the serosa or pelvic wall. Sometimes tubal carcinomas appear as localized solid or partially cystic lesions that affect only one part of the tube. When opening the lumen of a tube affected by carcinoma, a localized or diffuse, soft, gray or pink, friable tumor occupying the surface of the mucosa is usually discovered. Sometimes several tumor nodes are present, and hemorrhages and necrosis are common in the tumor. Usually the tumor spreads along the wall of the tube, but sometimes it is loosely adjacent to the mucous surface or is located in the lumen of the tube. In some cases, primary fallopian tube carcinoma is localized in the fimbriae; tumors of this type account for about 8%.

The most common but nonspecific clinical manifestation of RMT is bleeding or spotting from the vagina, or yellowish vaginal discharge, sometimes heavy. These clinical symptoms present in one third to half of cases. It is possible to detect palpable tumor formation in the area of ​​the uterine appendages (86%). Abdominal pain is also often observed, which can be periodic and colicky or dull and constant. The phenomenon of "hydrops tubae proluens" ("watery tubal discharge"), which is characterized by intermittent colicky pain relieved by sudden vaginal discharge of watery fluid, is considered pathognomonic of fallopian tube cancer. However, this syndrome is registered in less than 10% of patients. One of the symptoms of common RMT is ascites. The amount of ascites can range from 300 ml to 12 liters. In some patients, the first manifestations of the disease may be metastases to the supraclavicular and inguinal The lymph nodes. You can also identify nonspecific symptoms of a general nature: weakness, malaise, poor health, fast fatiguability, temperature increase.

In terms of diagnosing RMT, ultrasound is not a specific method, but with a high probability it allows diagnosing a tumor of the uterine appendages and the extent of the tumor process. Diagnostically important information can be obtained by using CT scans of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space, and pelvis. The use of CT is especially important to determine the precise localization of the tumor and its relationship with surrounding tissues. However, due to the high cost of the study and significant radiation exposure, the use of CT has a number of limitations for primary diagnosis. An effective method for diagnosing RMT is laparoscopy, which allows not only to assess the extent of the tumor process, but also to morphologically verify the diagnosis. Determining the level of tumor marker CA-125 in blood serum has great importance in the diagnosis of RMT. In patients with stages I-II, the level of CA-125 increases in 68% of cases, and in patients with stages III-IV in 100% of cases. CA-125 levels correlate with the stage of the disease. The median CA-125 at stage I of the disease is 102.3 U/ml, at stage II - 121.7 U/ml, at stage III - 337.3 U/ml, at stage IV - 358.4 U/ml. Thus, only A complex approach allows diagnosing RMT on early stages. The lack of oncological vigilance in relation to RMT and screening programs leads to late diagnosis.

The surgical approach to treating fallopian tube carcinoma is similar to that performed for ovarian cancer. Unified tactics postoperative treatment remains controversial. Currently, the general treatment regimen for RMT and the optimal chemotherapy regimen are still under development. Regarding radiation therapy, many authors agree that irradiation of the pelvis alone is ineffective, taking into account high frequency development outside the pelvic metastases, which is an important argument against such a strategy. Considering the poorly predictable course of the disease and the morphological similarity to ovarian carcinoma, the current general trend in the treatment of fallopian tube cancer is similar to that applied to malignant epithelial ovarian tumors and is based on the use of platinum-containing chemotherapy regimens. When carrying out chemotherapy with the inclusion of platinum drugs, the best overall five-year survival rate was observed in patients who received 6 courses of chemotherapy or more.

This is a rare cancer fallopian tubes. Most often, only one tube is affected, but in severe cases, even late stages The second one may succumb to the spread of cancer cells. Among all malignant tumors of the female reproductive system this type cancer occurs in 1% of patients. The development of the disease is observed in both young girls and elderly women. Most of patients are in age category from 50 to 65 years.

Fallopian tube cancer, a photo on the Internet clearly demonstrates external manifestations disease, so girls and women with such a disease would do well to study such illustrations in order to better understand this problem.

Types of fallopian tube cancer

Classification of fallopian tube cancer occurs according to a number of determining factors: occurrence, histology, stage of development of the malignant tumor.

According to the type of occurrence of the outbreak of the disease, they are distinguished:

• primary cancer: cell development began precisely in the cavity of the fallopian tubes;
• secondary cancer: manifested due to the spread of uterine or ovarian cancer;
• metastatic: originated from an oncological neoplasm of the mammary glands, stomach.

Studies of the structures of adenocarcinoma (histology) allow us to distinguish the following types of tumor:

• serous;
• endometrioid;
• muciotic;
• clear cell;
• transitional cell;
• undifferentiated.

Two types of classification of disease stages have been developed - TNM and FIGO, which are based on indicators of the spread of the lesion, involvement of lymph nodes and the presence of metastasis.

• Stage 0: Cancer cells are based within the epithelium of the fallopian tube;
• Stage I: cancer cells develop only in the cavity of the uterine tube, but there may be some features, so the stage has several divisions:
  • IA - the disease develops only in one tube, does not affect the serous membrane and does not provoke the development of ascites;
  • IB - characterized by the same processes as in the previous case, only the localization of cancer can be observed in the second tube;
  • IC - a malignant formation does not leave the cavity of the uterine tube, but seeps into the serous membrane, ascites develops.
• Stage II: cancer, in addition to the oviducts, attacks the pelvic organs; depending on the affected organs, subgroups are distinguished:
  • IIA - uterus, ovaries;
  • IIB - ligamentous structures of the pelvis;
  • IIC - in addition to organ oncology, abdominal dropsy is formed.
• Stage III: cancer cells fill the fallopian tubes, develop not only in the pelvic organs, but also in other organs, and the process of metastasis begins:
  • IIIA - metastases are found outside the pelvis;
  • IIIB - secondary lesions do not exceed 2 cm;
  • IIIC - foci of metastasis increase, metastases occur in regional lymph nodes.

Causes and development of fallopian tube cancer

Experts cannot identify clear reasons that can trigger the appearance of cancer cells in the oviducts. There is an opinion that chronic inflammation of the appendages, a violation reproductive function, irregular menstrual cycle. Many patients have the presence of a herpes virus or papilloma, which gives rise to talk about the viral nature of fallopian tube cancer.

The tumor can have a primary (the focus is located directly in the tube) and secondary (the cancer has spread from the ovaries or uterus) occurrence. Sometimes the cause of the development of malignancy is metastases of malignant breast tumors, gastrointestinal tract, lungs.

Primary fallopian tube cancer is similar in its method of spread to ovarian cancer: cancer cells migrate throughout the body exclusively through the lymphogenous, hematogenous and implantation pathways. Metastases of the disease are observed in the inguinal and para-aortic lymph nodes. A significant difference from ovarian cancer will be the symptoms of the development of a malignant tumor in the early stages. Blood and tumor decay products are transported through anatomical connections into the uterine cavity, and then into the vagina.

The spread and further development of cancer usually occurs through the lymphogenous route, since the tube itself is surrounded by lymph vessels of the para-aortic lymph nodes. If 5% of the lymph nodes are affected, metastases can develop inguinal lymph nodes. If left untreated, cancer cells affect the ovaries, uterus, and vagina.

Symptoms of fallopian tube cancer

The main symptom indicating the presence of a malignant tumor in the body is considered to be pathological vaginal discharge. With the further development of fallopian tube cancer, severe pain V abdominal area. The tumor develops to the left or right of the uterus, and over time it can reach more than 3 cm, so it is not difficult to feel the tumor. It is good if the disease was detected in the early stages, since most often symptoms appear when cancer cells significantly damage the healthy tissues of the uterine tube.

Women should begin carefully monitoring for suspicious symptoms after menopause. It was during this period in female body changes in the functioning of the reproductive system occur, and an unreasonable increase in the uterine appendages is observed. To finally rule out possible development diseases, you should be tested for the number of leukocytes and the level of their connection.

Diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer

Diagnosis is based on the use of a set of methods and procedures that make it possible to thoroughly study a cancerous tumor, its structure, the development of the disease, etc., therefore treatment is already simplified.

Initially, a primary gynecological examination during which the doctor analyzes the patient’s complaints, finds out when the first symptoms appeared, what could provoke such changes in the body. Next, it is necessary to carefully study the diseases that the woman previously suffered from, since some symptoms may indicate a relapse or complication after undergoing surgery. The hereditary predisposition to the development of cancer must be ascertained, especially the history of the female line must be taken into account.

Having received necessary information, the doctor must conduct an examination of the genital organs, which will help determine the size of the uterus, its tubes, cervix, ovaries, identify disturbances in the connection of the uterus and appendages, and detect a neoplasm, if any. Typically, such an examination is carried out by palpation, but ultrasound can help detect a tumor in the pelvic organs.

Blood test for the presence malignant substances- tumor markers - will also be necessary in this case.

Cytological examination is based on a microscopic examination of the collection of material obtained from the cavity of the fallopian tube. These studies indicate the presence of cancer cells in the tubes and can confirm or refute the diagnosis.

In order to correctly prescribe treatment after diagnosing a tumor, it is necessary to study the formation and select the drug that has the greatest effect on it. For such purposes it is assigned CT scan(determines location, detects metastases) or diagnostic laparoscopy (determines the boundaries of a malignant tumor, participation in the oncological process).

Treatment of fallopian tube cancer

Treatment consists of using methods that can be used either individually or in combination. The doctor, individually for each patient, selects the type of treatment and monitors its effectiveness.

Surgical treatment is aimed at removing the tumor, preventing the development of metastases and possible relapse. At the first stage of therapy, radical surgery for amputation of the uterus, appendages, greater omentum. During surgery, a biopsy of the lymph nodes, pelvic peritoneum and lateral canals is performed. If the operation is performed in the late stages of uterine tube cancer, then part of the tumor is removed, and its residual amount is less than two cm.

Drug treatment of a malignant tumor of the fallopian tubes involves the use of modern medicines that don't give cancer cells develop and reduce their activity. Most often, this method is used in combination with radiation and chemical therapy. Unfortunately, the optimal general regimen for patients has not been developed, so the doctor studies the effect of certain drugs on malignant neoplasms and adjusts their formulation.

Not drug treatment based on radiation therapy. Many experts believe that it is necessary to irradiate the pelvic organs in combination with the entire abdominal cavity, since fallopian tube cancer is characterized by high level metastasis. However, excess radiation leads to serious disruption of intestinal function.

Regardless of the stage of cancer, patients are treated using special chemotherapy drugs (platinum).

Prevention and prognosis for fallopian tube cancer

The successful outcome of treatment of the disease depends on the stage at which it was started and the volume therapeutic methods, used in cancer therapy. However, we should not forget that each organism is unique and it is definitely impossible to give a prognosis for a particular cancer treatment method. Favorable prognosis No one can guarantee the treatment of stage 1 fallopian tube cancer.

Fallopian tube cancer, prognosis

The five-year survival rate after treatment of the first stage of the disease is 65%. Survival rate at other stages is 45%. Poor prognosis for patients whose cancer manifests itself as sarcoma, the majority of women die 2 years after the onset of the disease.

In medicine, no factors have been identified that contribute to the development of fallopian tube cancer. A woman should monitor her health, regularly visit the gynecological office and increase her immunity in order to resist viral diseases. Timely treatment of inflammatory processes and not allowing their development to become chronic can protect against the development of oncology.

Fallopian tube cancer is a rare pathology. Its prevalence is up to 2% among all malignant neoplasms of the reproductive system. Sometimes young girls and pregnant women hear such a diagnosis, but most often women aged 50 to 62 have to deal with it. The prognosis for recovery largely depends on timely diagnosis and well-chosen therapy.

Medical certificate

Fallopian tube cancer according to ICD-10 is coded C57. This is a pathology characterized by the development of a malignant neoplasm. Most often it is one-sided. A bilateral process is observed only in 30% of cases.

Determining the type of cancer helps you choose the most appropriate treatment strategy. To describe the stages oncological process applied to fallopian tube cancer. It will be discussed in more detail below.

There are also primary and secondary forms of the tumor. In the latter case we're talking about about hematogenous or lymphogenous metastasis from the main site, for example, from the ovaries, uterus or stomach. The primary form always develops independently.

Histological examination of the tumor allows us to distinguish the following types:

• serous;
• endometrioid;
• mucinous;
• clear cell;
• transitional cell;
• undifferentiated.

Main reasons

The main cause of any oncological process is considered to be mutation of cellular elements with high speed division. It can be caused by decreased immunity, cell or gene damage. The likelihood of a mutation increasing with age. Therefore, older women are always at risk.

Degeneration of mucous membranes is also possible under the influence of the following factors:

• inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs;
• viral/bacterial infection;
• mechanical or chemical damage (abortion, curettage);
• irradiation;
• bad habits;
• long-term exposure to carcinogens.

Scientists were able to prove the direct role of the human papillomavirus in the occurrence of this oncological process. It provokes cancer of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and uterine body. More than 80% of the population are carriers this virus. Infection occurs predominantly through sexual contact, and much less frequently through airborne transmission.

Another oncogenic pathogen is the herpes virus. He can long time do not appear. However, with a decrease in immunological status, it becomes very aggressive, causing cancer of the reproductive system.

Clinical picture

Symptoms of fallopian tube cancer appear only as the disease progresses. On initial stages a woman may complain of the following health problems:

• serous or purulent discharge from the vagina, accompanied by a burning sensation;
• the appearance of brown discharge outside the menstrual period;
• paroxysmal pain in the lower abdomen.

In 70% of cases characteristic symptoms There are no cancers. The pathology itself is usually detected accidentally during a gynecological examination or ultrasound examination on another occasion. When palpated in the area of ​​the fallopian tubes, it can be clearly felt extensive education. This lump is an accumulation of exudate.

Nonspecific symptoms of fallopian tube cancer are also possible. They manifest themselves in the form of rapid fatigue, general malaise, and deterioration of well-being. At later stages, they are accompanied by an increase in temperature. At the same time, the pain in the affected area becomes more intense, the abdomen increases in size. There is also urination disorder and problems with intestinal patency.

Stages of the process

According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), fallopian tube cancer is divided into 4 stages:

• Stage I. Cancer is limited to the fallopian tube.
• Stage II. The tumor is located in one or both fallopian tubes, but has already spread to the ovaries or pelvic tissue.
• Stage III. There is damage to only one or two fallopian tubes and abdominal organs. Metastasis to the inguinal or iliac lymph nodes is possible.
• Stage IV. During the examination, metastases are detected in distant lymph nodes.

Determining the stage of the pathology allows you to select the most effective treatment option.

Diagnostic methods

Since there are no obvious signs of fallopian tube cancer in the initial stages, medical assistance patients present late. Diagnosis of the pathological process is complex. It includes the study of the clinical picture, laboratory and instrumental methods.

After examination in a gynecological chair, the woman is prescribed a cytological examination of smears from the vagina and cervical canal. However, using this method it is possible to detect pathological cells only in 23% of cases. Accuracy of cytological examination increases sampling biological material using a special tampon. It is inserted into the vagina for several hours.

The most informative diagnostic method is an analysis for the tumor marker CA-125. It is a natural protein that is released into the bloodstream by tumor elements. An increase in the level of CA-125 in the blood during stages I and II of cancer is observed in 68% of patients. In the case of stage III or IV, this figure is 95%. A slight increase in this parameter is possible with endometriosis and during menstruation.

Ultrasound examination in the case of fallopian tube cancer is considered relatively informative. It allows you to identify a neoplasm and evaluate some of its features. Ultrasound with Doppler mapping is considered more informative. With its help, it is always possible to detect pathological blood flow, signaling malignant neoplasm. This method diagnostics is used even in overweight women.

Computed tomography is also considered informative if cancer is suspected. It is a detailed diagnosis of the abdominal organs. However, high cost and high radiation exposure make CT limited method examinations. Its help is resorted to in exceptional cases, for example, with questionable results.

Features of therapy

This pathology is extremely rare. Therefore, no unified therapeutic tactics have been developed. All treatment comes down to eliminating the tumor, preventing relapses and metastasis. For this purpose, surgery and chemotherapy are used today. Each method is described in detail below.

Surgery

Radical treatment Fallopian tube cancer involves the removal of not only the affected organs, but also extirpation. In the latter case, under general anesthesia The uterus with appendages and affected lymph nodes are excised. If the malignancy of the neoplasm cannot be confirmed, organ-preserving intervention is performed. His help is also used to treat young patients who want to take on the role of a mother in the future.

During the operation, an inspection of the abdominal cavity, washings from the peritoneum, and a biopsy of distant lymph nodes are performed. After histological examination, the doctor determines further tactics: reoperation or radiation therapy.

If there are contraindications to surgical intervention or late seeking medical help, symptomatic therapy is recommended. The patient is prescribed painkillers to help alleviate the general condition. Death in the final stages occurs within several months and does not depend on the growth rate of the tumor.

Carrying out chemotherapy

Fallopian tube cancer is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Surgery often turns out to be ineffective. Therefore, all patients are prescribed combination chemotherapy, regardless of the stage of the pathology.

The standard treatment regimen involves a combination of Cyclophosphamide with drugs containing platinum (Cisplastin, Carbolplastin). Partial or even complete regression of the tumor with such therapy is observed in 53-92% of cases, and the five-year survival rate is 51%. If the neoplasm does not show a positive reaction to medications with platinum, they are replaced with drugs from the taxane group. However, in this case, the five-year survival rate is about 30%.

A course of chemotherapy is almost always accompanied by side effects. For example, patients experience weight loss, skin rash, gastrointestinal disorders, fatigue. In addition, bone marrow suppression occurs. These phenomena disappear on their own after stopping the course of treatment.

Prognosis for recovery

The prognosis for fallopian tube cancer is determined by the survival rate after treatment for 5 years. In the absence of combination therapy, this figure is 35%, and in the case of initial stage illness - 70%. After surgery and chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate is I-II stages is 100%, at stage III - no more than 28%.

The prognosis is largely determined general condition health of the patient, individual characteristics its body and the type of tumor itself. With this pathology, cases of relapse cannot be excluded. Thanks to the development of medicine, at almost any stage it is possible to extend a person’s life. However, this does not apply to the last stage, because in this case the patient is already doomed to death.

Is pregnancy possible?

In case of unilateral damage to the fallopian tube, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is extremely low. The whole point is that pathological process disrupts tubal patency due to the filling of its lumen with a neoplasm and the developing adhesive process. With bilateral damage, it is not possible to conceive a child on your own.

Prevention methods

There are no specific ways to prevent fallopian tube cancer. Prevention of the disease comes down to standard rules recommended for any cancer. Among them the following can be noted:

• compliance with the work and rest regime;
• proper nutrition;
• exclusion of stressful situations;
• giving up bad habits;
• active lifestyle.

According to some doctors, the absence of predisposing factors protects against fallopian tube cancer. Therefore, experts advise timely treatment inflammatory diseases affecting the organs of the reproductive system. In addition, it is important to use barrier agents contraception during intimate contacts to eliminate the risk of contracting STIs. Periodic examinations by a gynecologist are also an essential preventative measure. It is necessary to plan in advance to conceive a child to eliminate the risk of unwanted termination of pregnancy.