Looking closely at fallopian tube cancer

Until recently, cancer in the fallopian tubes was thought to be rare.  It is now apparent that many epithelial ovarian cancers start in the fallopian tubes.  This is more likely if the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation is present.  When primary cancers do arise in the fallopian tubes, they may present with a watery vaginal discharge.

These cancers act in a similar way to epithelial ovarian cancers and are treated with surgery, usually followed by chemotherapy.  Response to treatment will depend on the type, grade and stage of the cancer, as will chances of recovery and survival.