Cancer of the Fallopian Tube and Peritoneum

Diagnosis

• Fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers share many similarities with ovarian cancer in terms of presentation and treatment, although they are less common.
• Distinguishing between ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers can be challenging at times. However, the diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for these cancers are generally the same.

Assessment

• The assessment for fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers is similar to that of ovarian cancer.

• The treatment approach for fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers closely resembles that of ovarian cancer.
• However, peritoneal cancer patients often present with widespread peritoneal disease rather than a localised pelvic tumour.

After completion of treatment, patients should be followed up regularly to 

• Deal with the side-effects and complications arising from the treatment
• Monitor the disease status 

Side-effects and Complications from Treatment 

• Extensive operation involves the removal of and insults to normal structures, e.g. lower limb oedema after pelvic lymphadenectomy
• Chemotherapy side-effects can be long-lasting, e.g. numbness over extremities after chemotherapy using platinum agents
• Patients who have received radiotherapy can also develop post-treatment complications 

Monitoring of Disease Status 

• Physical examination
• Vaginal cytology
• Blood test for tumour markers
• Repeated imaging studies if necessary. It helps pick up recurrent diseases