Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube--a case report

After performing its role in procreation during the reproductive years, the fallopian tube harbours a malignancy during the postmenopausal years like any other reproductive organ and putting a diagnostic dilemma as to the source of primary focus. A rare case of primary adenocarcinoma of fallopian tube is reported in a 71 years postmenopausal P6L5, presented with pain abdomen for 6 months, loss of appetite and abdominal distension for 4 months and on and off serosanguineous vaginal discharge for 1 month. After clinical and laboratory evaluation it was provisionally diagnosed as a case of adenocarcinoma of ovary. Exploratory laparotomy was carried out and the intra-operative diagnosis was fallopian tube carcinoma with intraperitoneal metastasis--surgical stage III disease. Cytoreductive surgery was performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Surgery was followed by chemotherapy with cisplatin and cyclophosphamide regime. Due to advanced stage of the disease and general debility of the patient, although dubulking and chemotherapy course was not perfect but patient improved in her general condition. Now she is leading a symptom-free healthy life after 3 years of treatment; follow-up with CA-125 and USG showing no evidence of secondaries. The disease process is presented in advanced stage early in the course of disease even without involving the muscularis and serosa in contrast to ovarian carcinoma which has to come through the capsule.