Ultrasonic evaluation of fallopian tube carcinoma

Primary malignant neoplasms of the fallopian tube are the least common of all the gynecologic malignancies, and constitute only about 0.1-1% of all such malignancies. The actual 5-year survival is 64% in those with stage I, 60% in cases of stage II, and 18% and 25% for stages III and IV, respectively. Therefore, early detection of these neoplasm stages is most important to attain a cure. The preoperative diagnosis of this neoplasm has rarely been reported because these lesions are not common. We present herein the clinical and sonographic features in 4 Japanese women with fallopian tube carcinoma. While the sonographic features alone are not distinct enough to establish a definite preoperative diagnosis, the findings as seen in our patients suggest inclusion of tubal carcinoma in the differential diagnosis.