Fallopian Tube Cancer Often Overlooked but Closely Linked to Ovarian Cancer, Specialist Says
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Asia Tabb
AIRED; February 24, 2026
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Fallopian tube cancer is rarely discussed compared to other gynecologic cancers, but experts say it may be more common — and more connected to ovarian cancer — than many realize.
Dr. Sharon Fitzgerald, a gynecologic oncologist certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology who practices at PinnacleHealth Women’s Cancer Center and is affiliated with multiple UPMC hospitals in Central Pennsylvania, said the terminology may be part of the confusion.
“I think more people are familiar with the term ovarian cancer,” Fitzgerald said. “Fallopian tube cancer is a continuum of the ovarian cancer because they share some of the same common histological features, and we kind of consider them one single entity as oncologists.”
In fact, emerging research suggests that what was long believed to be ovarian cancer may actually begin in the fallopian tubes.
“There’s kind of a school of thought that maybe what we thought were ovarian cancers starting in the ovary are actually starting off in the fallopian tubes first and then spreading to the ovaries,” she explained. With newer pathology techniques, physicians are finding “smaller sites of disease within the fallopian tube more than we used to.”
Despite these advances, one of the biggest challenges remains the lack of effective screening. Unlike cervical cancer, which can often be detected early with routine Pap testing, there is no reliable screening test for fallopian tube or ovarian cancers.
“Unfortunately, a lot of these cancers are often diagnosed in advanced stages when a cure is less likely,” Fitzgerald said. “There’s no good screening for fallopian tubes or ovarian cancer.”
Screening has proven difficult for several reasons. Physical exams often cannot detect early disease because of the tubes’ location in the body. Imaging may miss microscopic cancers or detect benign cysts that lead to unnecessary stress or procedures. Blood tests have also not proven accurate enough for screening purposes.
“We haven’t really found a perfect model yet that really detects these cancers in that screening sense at this time,” she said.
Because of that, prevention and awareness of symptoms are critical. Persistent bloating, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and changes in bowel or bladder habits that last three weeks or more should prompt a conversation with a doctor.
“No symptom is too small to bring up to your doctor,” Fitzgerald said. “If it’s persistent, be persistent for yourself.”
Certain factors can influence risk. Anything that reduces the number of times a woman ovulates — such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or birth control pills — appears to lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who start menstruating earlier or reach menopause later may face higher risk due to increased lifetime ovulation.
Genetic factors also play a significant role. Mutations such as BRCA or Lynch syndrome can substantially increase risk beyond the general population baseline of about 1.5 percent. Family history, especially among first- and second-degree relatives, should be discussed with a physician.
One prevention strategy gaining attention is the removal of fallopian tubes in women who have completed childbearing, particularly if they are already undergoing abdominal or gynecologic surgery.
“I think prevention is the key for this,” Fitzgerald said. “If they’re already having surgery, especially gynecological surgery, they should consider removing the tubes once childbearing is complete to help reduce that risk again, about 50% in an average risk population.”
For women at average risk, removing the fallopian tubes during another planned surgery adds little time or complication risk and may significantly reduce cancer risk. However, for high-risk patients with known genetic mutations or extensive family history, removal of both the ovaries and fallopian tubes is often recommended.
Fitzgerald stressed the importance of annual gynecologic visits, even when a Pap smear is not required every year.
“An annual GYN exam is still going to review symptoms that you might be having,” she said. “Women should always be an advocate for their own health.”
As awareness efforts continue during National Cancer Awareness Month, Fitzgerald hopes women understand that while fallopian tube cancer may not be widely discussed, vigilance and proactive care can make a difference.
“Anything we can do to prevent or decrease that risk of developing these cancers is important,” she said.
