Clinical characteristics of primary Fallopian tube carcinoma: A single-institution retrospective study of 57 cases

Objective To analyze the clinical profile and prognosis of primary Fallopian tube cancer (PFTC) in order to improve earlier diagnosis. Methods In this retrospective study, 57 women with PFTC were assessed from 2006 to 2016. Pathology, clinical index, recurrence, and survival were analyzed. Results Mean age was 57.35 +/- 9.01 years, and 73% (19/26) of the patients with early-stage PFTC (I/II) were aged less than 60 years. Of patients who presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding, 75% (9/12) were at an early stage and their condition was often misdiagnosed as endometrial carcinoma preoperatively. In patients with Stages I/II and Stages III/IV PFTC, 59.09% (13/22) and 96.43% (27/28), respectively, had adnexal masses on color Doppler ultrasonography. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival rates were 69.23% and 44.23%, respectively, and univariate analysis showed that tumor stage and residual tumor size significantly affected the two survival rates. Conclusion Primary Fallopian tube cancer is more likely to be misdiagnosed in patients aged less than 60 years or those presenting with vaginal bleeding at the premenopausal stage. Magnetic resonance imaging, cervical smear, and endometrial brush may be helpful for early PFTC diagnosis. Satisfactory cytoreductive surgery is critical because tumor stage and residual tumor size are significantly associated with the OS rate.

Automated summary

PFTC patients younger than 60 years old and those presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding are more likely to be misdiagnosed. The presence of adnexal masses on color Doppler ultrasonography may help in the diagnosis of PFTC. Tumor stage and residual tumor size significantly affect the overall survival rate.