Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

About Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

The ovaries are two structures that produce the eggs needed for human reproduction. Cancer can originate in your ovaries, or it can spread to the ovaries from other nearby organs. Sometimes, this cancer comes from the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Other times, the cancer spreads from the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer are often grouped together because they form in the same types of cells and treatments for the three conditions are similar.

Types of Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer are classified based on the tissue in which the condition first develops.

Types of ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer include:

• Epithelial carcinoma: The most common form of ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer, originating in the epithelial tissue that lines organs.
• Sex cord stromal cancer: Cancer originating in the connective tissue and/or hormone producing tissue within the ovaries.
• Germ cell malignancies: Cancer that develops in the ovarian cells that produce eggs.

Symptoms of Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer symptoms may not manifest until later stages of the condition.

Symptoms of ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer may include:

• Pain, swelling, or a lump in the abdomen or pelvis
• Difficulty eating due to a feeling of fullness
• Frequent urges to urinate

Risk Factors for Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Because ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer are closely related, they share many risk factors.

Risk factors for ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer may include:

• Family history: People with a family history of ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer may be more likely to develop one of those conditions. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) is also linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
• Health history: Individuals with older age or a history of endometriosis are more likely to develop ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer.

Diagnosing Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Currently, there is no test to screen for ovarian cancer before a patient presents with symptoms. The most common initial testing for the condition involves transvaginal ultrasound or a blood test that measures levels of a protein called CA-125 in the blood. The diagnosis of cancer is obtained by analyzing the tissue of the ovary or other suspected sites of disease for cancer cells.

Treating Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer at UT Health Austin

Once diagnosed, your approach to treatment will depend on the location and stage of your cancer as well as your personal preference. Standard treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or targeted treatment using monoclonal antibodies or other drugs. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of action.

Care Team Approach

Patients are cared for by a dedicated multidisciplinary care team, meaning you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. Our gynecologic oncologists work alongside a team of women’s health experts, including radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, oncofertility specialists, onco-psychiatrists, genetic counselors, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers, and more, to provide unparalleled care for patients every step of the way.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide you with world-class, personalized cancer treatment. Depending on your specific needs, your treatment may include combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and/or immunotherapy or other targeted therapy.

Learn More About Your Care Team