Fallopian Cancer
But when you have symptoms like this, it’s important to get them checked out. They could be warning signs of an ovarian cyst or period problems. But it could also be fallopian tube cancer.
Fallopian tube cancer is pretty rare. And not all healthcare providers are experienced with diagnosing and treating it. But Cleveland Clinic’s expert gynecologic oncology team knows what it takes to do just that. We’re by your side from your first call to us, through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. We’ll answer your questions, ease your concerns and provide the trusted, caring support you need during your entire cancer journey.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Fallopian Tube Cancer Care?
Demonstrated expertise:
Our gynecologic oncology providers have proven skills in the latest surgical techniques and medicines to treat this cancer. They lead a team of providers from different specialties to provide skilled, compassionate care.
Caring approach:
Your care team works with you to craft a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. We’re here to provide important information, support and guidance when you need it. Meet our team.
Innovation and research:
New technologies and treatments mean cancer care is always improving. Our experts lead and take part in research and clinical trials of new treatments for fallopian tube cancer. This research helps improve treatment results and quality of life during and after treatment.
Virtual visits:
If getting to your provider’s office is tough, you might want to think about having a virtual visit. You’ll get the same great care but from the comfort and convenience of your home. All you need is an internet connection and your smartphone, computer or tablet.
National recognition:
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Fallopian Tube Cancer Diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic
Your fallopian tubes are the ducts (tubes) that carry eggs from your ovaries to your uterus. You have two — one on each side of your pelvis.
Fallopian tube cancer symptoms aren’t typically obvious. You may feel pain, pressure or the need to pee (urinate) a lot. You might be constipated (can’t poop) or you might feel tired all of the time. It’s important to understand these symptoms aren’t always signs of fallopian cancer. But it’s good to get them checked out.
Even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms, your provider may feel a lump in your fallopian tubes during a routine pelvic exam. It’s rare to get fallopian tube cancer, but if you do, it often can spread to your ovaries. Many ovarian cancers are actually fallopian tube cancers that have spread to the ovaries at the end of the tube.
If your provider finds something, they’ll refer you to our gynecologic oncology experts for more testing to confirm your diagnosis. Because fallopian cancer is hard to find in its early stages, it can often spread before you get a diagnosis. That’s why you’ll want to work with a team who can quickly recognize the signs and start treatment as soon as possible.
What to expect at your first visit
When you come in for your first visit, you’ll want to be prepared to tell your story. For us, that’s one of the most important parts of diagnosing your condition. We want to hear what things have been like for you, in your own words.
We’ll sit down with you and ask you questions like:
- What kind of symptoms are you having?
- How long have you had them?
- Are they getting worse?
- How are they affecting your life?
We’ll also go over your health and family medical histories. And we’ll do a pelvic exam to see if we can feel any masses or lumps. We might also order some tests. These might include:
Blood tests
Our specialists take a blood sample to do a CA-125 blood test. We check the levels of a specific protein (cancer antigen 125) that’s often elevated (higher than usual) if you have fallopian tube cancer.
Imaging tests
We use technology to see detailed views of your fallopian tubes and ovaries and look for cysts or tumors. You may have:
Testing fluid and tissue samples
If you have a buildup of fluid in your abdomen (ascites), we use a needle to take a fluid sample (paracentesis). We look at the sample under a microscope to see if we can spot any cancer cells.
When our specialists find growths, like an ovarian cyst or tumor of the fallopian tubes, we may do a biopsy to see if tissue or fluid samples show signs of cancer.
Second opinions for fallopian cancer
Learning you may have fallopian tube cancer can be emotional and overwhelming. You’ll want to feel confident that you’re working with a team of healthcare providers you trust to give you the best possible care. That’s why we encourage second opinions.
Our expert cancer specialists will dive in, spending time with you to help you better understand your diagnosis and what treatment options might be right for you. We also know that cancer doesn’t wait, so we always try to meet with you as soon as possible. Getting a second opinion can help you feel more in control of your care and give you peace of mind knowing you’re in the most capable hands.
Meet Our Fallopian Tube Cancer Team
If you choose to come to Cleveland Clinic, you’ll have the advantage of working with a personalized care team of providers from many different specialties. All are handpicked based on your health and needs. And all are familiar with diagnosing and treating fallopian tube cancer.
Our gynecological oncologists will lead this team, which could also include:
- Surgeons.
- Radiologists.
- Pathologists.
- Nurse practitioners.
- Physician assistants.
- Social workers.
- Care coordinators.
Your care team works together to provide an accurate diagnosis, surgical skill, advanced chemotherapy and the latest in radiation therapy. And it’s all done with careful scheduling and compassionate care, so you know you matter as a person — not just a patient.
Providers Who Treat Fallopian Cancer
Locations
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Florida and London.Fallopian Tube Cancer Treatment at Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic experts use the latest techniques to treat fallopian tube cancer. We talk with you and work together as a team to create a care plan for your specific needs. Our specialists may treat you with:
Minimally invasive surgery
Surgery is the most common way to treat fallopian cancer. Our highly trained gynecologic surgeons use laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery, when possible. These minimally invasive surgeries help you heal faster. Depending on the location and stage of the cancer, we may do one or a combination of these procedures:
- Hysterectomy.
- Salpingo-oophorectomy.
- Omentectomy.
- Lymphadenectomy.
Systemic therapy
Our experts prescribe medications that work throughout your body (systemic therapy) to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. Your treatment plan may include:
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
If we find cancer in your abdominal (belly) cavity, experts may treat you with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). We flush your abdominal cavity with heated chemotherapy drugs during surgery to help make sure no cancer cells are still there.
Taking the Next Step
Life’s busy. And it can be tempting to put off a call to your healthcare provider if you notice something that doesn’t seem right. But it’s important to get answers quickly when it comes to nagging symptoms. The specialists at Cleveland Clinic have the experience and expertise to find out why you’re having issues, confirm a diagnosis and help you move forward with treatment if it turns out you have fallopian tube cancer. We’re here to put your mind at ease.
Appointments
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s fallopian cancer experts is easy. We’ll help you get the care you need.
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Survivorship
Learning you have cancer can be stressful, shocking and challenging. From the moment you get the news, you're a survivor. As you face the challenges that go along with cancer treatment and recovery — physical and emotional — we’ll be right there with you.
At Cleveland Clinic, survivorship care is one part of your journey. We offer a wide range of services, resources, clinics and support groups to help with any physical, emotional, financial and spiritual needs you might have related to your cancer diagnosis. Lending a helping hand along the way, we want you to not only survive, but thrive on this journey and beyond.
