Primary fallopian tube carcinoma

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare gynaecological tumour that accounts for 0.14–1.8% of genital malignancies. The most common age of occurrence is between 40 and 65 years, and the mean age is 55 years. The factors that contribute to its appearance are not well known. Population studies show that the mean incidence of PFTC is 3.6 per million women per annum. Overall survival percentages for patients with PFTC are generally low, in the range of 22–57%. Pre-operative diagnosis is rare and PFTC is usually confirmed by a pathologist, but earlier diagnosis with early clinical manifestation and prompt investigation improves the prognosis. Both PFTC and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are treated with similar surgical and chemotherapy methods. Studies have shown that the prognosis for PFTC is worse than that for EOC or other primary gynaecological tumours. This article reviews and presents the current updates of this rare gynaecological malignancy.