Fallopian Tube Cancer: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

The type of cancer which starts developing in the fallopian tube needs immediate attention. Fallopian tube is a passage which connects a woman’s ovaries to her uterus. It is one of the rarest kinds of cancer and around 1% of all reproductive cancers stem from fallopian tube. Fallopian tube cancer can be treated if diagnosed in the early stages. The exact reason behind this type of cancer is largely unknown till date. However, women who have never given birth haven’t used birth control pills or never breastfed a child have a higher risk of developing this condition. Your risk of getting this cancer increases if a close relative has also had fallopian tube cancer in the past.

Any cancer care normally demands a team of doctors specializing in the particular cancer to work and plan the method of treatment together. Your doctors may suggest a surgery which is the main treatment option for fallopian tube cancer. However, the stage, type and size of the cancer determine the type of surgery you have to undergo. One of the treatment methods which can help you get rid of the cancer is Salpingo-oophorectomy. In this surgery both the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. Salpingo-oophorectomy is used to treat the fallopian tube cancer in its early stages. A total hysterectomy can also help as it removes the uterus and fallopian tubes and ovaries which does not allow the cancer to grow and spread any further.

Chemotherapy is usually suggested after the surgical procedures in order to kill the remaining cancer cells which are left behind. Radiation is also done at times to reduce the size of the cancer before doing the surgery. With the help of radiation therapy, the cancer cells are forcefully stopped from growing any further. Another important aspect of treatment is palliative care Palliative care helps you deal with the emotional stress, pain and other issues which comes with such a serious condition.

Any woman who sees signs of bleeding from vagina while not having periods, excessive flow of pink, white or clear discharge from the vagina, lump and pain in the lower belly should get themselves tested for this type of cancer. Women who have reached the age of 50 or 60 are more prone to have fallopian tube cancer as well.

Any woman who shows no sign or symptom of bleeding from vagina without having periods and others are not eligible for the treatment.

There are a number of serious side effects of chemotherapy which is a major part of treating fallopian tube cancer. These side effects include anemia, vomiting, hair loss, appetite changes, easy bruising and bleeding among others. The risks of getting the radiation therapy includes certain skin problems, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, swallowing, shoulder stiffness etc. The surgery itself can have risks of infection, and excessive bleeding.

A follow-up care is supposed to be planned after the treatment is done. Regular physical examinations and medical tests are mandatory to monitor your recovery and also the chances of your cancer to recur for the following years. Regular X-rays, CT Scans, ultrasound studies may be necessary to keep a check.

The recovery period depends on the stage, size and areas where the cancer was spread. It may take around 6 months to a year for patients to recover completely and resume their daily activities.

The price of treating fallopian tube cancer in India ranges between Rs 2-5 lakhs.

The results of the treatment permanent. However, tracking your improvement is important to make sure that the cancer does not come back.

There are a number of alternative treatments which can help in curing fallopian tube cancer. Herbs, vitamins, meditation, acupuncture, body-mind therapy and massage may also be used to treat the problem.