Fallopian tube cancer

Penn researchers discovered that ovarian cancers can originate in the fallopian tubes. Our deeply researched fallopian tube cancer care involves genetic testing for each tumor, to determine personalized, precision care for each patient.

We have more full-time, board-certified gynecologic oncologists than any other hospital in the Philadelphia region. Our entire team, including medical oncologists, pathologists, surgeons and radiation specialists, meets weekly to discuss joint treatment plans that are unique to each patient. Because cancer and its treatment can affect the whole body, we partner closely with specialists throughout Penn Medicine. This collaborative model lets us take on a greater complexity of care.

Learn more about fallopian tube cancer diagnosis at Penn Medicine

We encourage patients to enroll in one of our innovative clinical trials, such as immunotherapy that trains the body to fight cancer from within. Clinical trials can be used as a single treatment or combined with traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy. Some of these treatments, such as CAR-T immunotherapy, are only available at Penn.

There is no known relationship between cysts that form in the reproductive organs and cancer, but it is important to have cysts monitored regularly by your doctor.

Both cancers are most often epithelial carcinomas, which means that they form on the surface tissue of organs. However, there is another connection: Penn Medicine researchers discovered that ovarian cancer can start in the fallopian tubes.

Fallopian tube cancer can spread to other parts of your pelvis or elsewhere in your body. If suspicious cells are found in your fallopian tube, we will check for the spread of cancer in the tissues and organs surrounding the area. We may also perform a biopsy of your lymph nodes, abdominal tissues and the tissues near your stomach to see if and how far cancer has spread.

Because fallopian tube cancer is most often caught at later stages, it can spread to other parts of the pelvis, such as the peritoneum (the tissue that covers the organs in the abdomen). When fallopian tube cancer is diagnosed, doctors will also check to see if, and how much, it has spread.

You can enter a clinical trial upon diagnosis or at any time in the course of the disease. In fact, we encourage it. If you are interested in enrolling in a clinical trial, please talk with your doctor.

Most people who are enrolled in clinical trials will be treated in Philadelphia at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, but some people may be treated in our other facilities throughout the Philadelphia region.

If you don’t qualify or are not interested in clinical trials, you can get standard treatment from experienced doctors, both at Penn Medicine’s downtown Philadelphia hospitals and within the Penn Medicine health care system throughout the region.

If you are diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer, our fertility preservation program will evaluate your options for having a family in the future. This might include egg preservation, in-vitro fertilization and other advanced reproductive techniques.