Types of ovarian cancer
Fallopian tube cancer is a cancer that starts in the fallopian tubes. These connect the ovaries to the womb.
Doctors think that the most common type of ovarian cancer usually starts in the end of the fallopian tube, rather than the ovary. So they might sometimes call it fallopian tube or tubo ovarian cancer.
The fallopian tubes link the ovaries to the womb. During a woman’s childbearing years, the ovaries produce an egg each month. The egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the womb. A baby will begin to develop in the womb if the egg is fertilised by a sperm.
Fallopian tube cancer usually starts at the very end of the fallopian tube where it joins the ovary. This part is called the fimbriae. It can sometimes be difficult for doctors to tell the difference between fallopian tube and ovarian cancer.
Doctors classify your cancer as fallopian tube cancer if:
the cancer is in the fallopian tube, even if it is also in the ovary
they find precancerous cells on the inside surface of the fallopian tube - these are called STIC lesions (serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas)
Fallopian tube cancer is a type of ovarian cancer called high grade serous cancer.
The symptoms of fallopian tube cancer can be very unclear and difficult to spot. They include:
a swollen tummy (abdomen)
abdominal pain
feeling bloated
constipation or diarrhoea
feeling or being sick
loss of appetite
urinary symptoms such as needing to pee more often or you need to pee urgently
The symptoms of fallopian tube cancer are very similar to the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
You might have the following tests to diagnose fallopian tube cancer. These are the same as the tests you might have for ovarian cancer. They include:
pelvic examination
blood tests
ultrasound scan
CT scan
MRI scan
laparotomy
The stage of a cancer shows how big it is and whether it has spread. This helps doctors to decide which treatment you need.
Doctors use the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system to stage cancers in the:
ovaries
fallopian tubes
peritoneum
There are four stages, numbered 1 to 4. Stage 1 is the earliest stage and stage 4 is the most advanced stage.
Read more about the stages of fallopian tube and ovarian cancer
Doctors treat fallopian tube cancer in the same way as ovarian cancer. The treatments include:
surgery
chemotherapy
targeted cancer drugs
hormone therapy
radiotherapy
treatment to help with symptoms
Read more about the treatments for fallopian tube and ovarian cancer
Researchers around the world are looking at better ways to diagnose and treat cancers in the ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum.
Go to Cancer Research UK’s clinical trials database to read about trials for PPC, ovarian and fallopian tube cancer in the UK. The trial summary includes information about who can take part in the trial. You need to talk to your specialist if there are any trials that you think you might be able to take part in.
Find out more about research and clinical trials
Coping with cancer can be difficult, both practically and emotionally. Your healthcare team will help support you.
Being well informed about your condition and its treatment can help you to make decisions and cope with what happens.
If you have questions, you can call the Cancer Research UK nurses for free on 0808 800 4040, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Cancer Research UK’s online forum is a place for anyone affected by cancer. You can share experiences, stories and information with other people who know what you are going through.
Last reviewed: 18 Feb 2025
Next review due: 18 Feb 2028
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can include a swollen or painful tummy, loss of appetite or urinary changes.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you to a specialist and organise tests.
The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. Your treatment depends on several factors including your cancer stage and grade.
There is support available to help you cope with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, life during treatment and life after cancer.
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
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