Imaging of fallopian tube tumors

The purposes of this study were to investigate the imaging findings in patients with primary fallopian tube neoplasms and to determine whether specific imaging features favor the preoperative diagnosis of fallopian tube tumors (FTT).

Computerized search of medical records from 1984 to 1994 identified 20 patients with a discharge diagnosis of primary fallopian tube carcinoma. Medical records, imaging studies, and pathology findings were reviewed. Eleven patients had available preoperative imaging.

Seventeen of 20 patients with primary FTT had unilateral disease. Of these 17, preoperative imaging was available in nine, showing four solid adnexal masses, four complex cystic adnexal masses, and one normal adnexa. The preoperative imaging of these nine patients included six sonographic and five CT studies. Three patients with primary FTT had bilateral tumors, and preoperative imaging was available for two patients: Two sonographic studies and one CT study showed one complex cystic adnexal mass and three normal adnexa.

Primary FTT commonly presents as an adnexal mass on preoperative imaging and mimics other pelvic malignancies, especially ovarian carcinoma. Making a specific preoperative diagnosis is difficult; however, because primary FTT is unlikely to be confused with a benign process, delay in diagnosis is rare.