Primary fallopian tube carcinoma: a retrospective clinicopathologic study

Introduction: Primary fallopian tube carcinoma is a rare tumor. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics and management of fallopian tube malignancies at a large tertiary care cancer institute.

Methods: A retrospective review of the Tumor Registry was conducted to identify all primary fallopian tube carcinomas between 1980 and 2001. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed. Primary endpoints were overall survival and disease recurrence.

Results: Thirty-five patients had histology consistent with fallopian tube carcinoma. The median age at diagnosis was 56 years. The most common signs or symptoms were abnormal vaginal bleeding (29%) and abdominal/pelvic mass (26%). The most common histology was adenocarcinoma in 16 (46%) patients. Five patients (14%) were Stage I, seven patients (20%) Stage II, 17 patients (49%) Stage III and six patients (17%) Stage IV. Thirty-two (91%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and 77% received platinum-based chemotherapy. Twenty-seven (77%) patients underwent second-look surgery, of which 17 patients (63%) were positive for disease. The 5-year survival rate was 64% for Stage I, 42% for Stage II, 32% for Stage III, and 17% for Stage IV.

Conclusions: Fallopian tube malignancies are rare and carry a poor prognosis. More extensive research needs to be performed to have definitive etiologic, diagnostic and treatment guidelines.

Fallopian tube cancer; Second-look surgery; Chemotherapy

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