Primary fallopian tube carcinoma. Histopathology of 46 cases

Here we report on histopathological findings from 46 cases of primary Fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) which were diagnosed and/or consulted in the Department of Pathology, University Medical School of Wrocław between 1982 and 1997. PFTCs can be classified according to the WHO International Classification of Ovarian Tumors. Reexamination of glass slides revealed at least five histological types of PFTC. Our results indicated better prognosis in patients with primary Fallopian tube endometrioid carcinoma rather than with serous carcinoma. Patients with PFTC expressing urothelial differentiation also show better prognosis. These findings confirm greater usefulness of primary ovarian carcinoma classification in the evaluation of the primary salpingeal carcinomas. The problems encountered in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of PFTC are discussed.