Cancer of the fallopian tubes is an abnormal growth of malignant cells in one or both of a woman's fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are a pair of skinny ducts that transport a woman's eggs (ova) from her ovaries (where they are housed) to her uterus where they are either fertilized by male sperm or discarded during menstruation.
Fallopian Tube Cancer Symptoms
Fallopian tube cancer causes symptoms similar to those seen in women with ovarian cancer, though the treatment and outlook is slightly better than that of ovarian cancer. Fallopian tube cancer symptoms include:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
- Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea and indigestion
- Frequent and/or urgent urination in the absence of an infection
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
- Ongoing unusual fatigue
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits
- Swelling, pressure, bloating or pain in the abdomen or pelvis that lasts for more than a few weeks should be checked by a physician
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it is best to contact a Penn Medicine physician for a diagnosis.