Thursday, 25 September 2025

Primary High-Grade Serous Carcinoma of the Fallopian Tube Initially Misdiagnosed as Ovarian Carcinoma: A Case Report |Chapter 9| Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 11

 

Background: Historically, primary fallopian tube carcinoma has been reported to constitute only about 0.3% of all female genital tract malignancies. However, literature suggests that its actual incidence may be higher, as many cases are often classified as ovarian cancer. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and challenging due to the absence of specific symptoms. Clinically, fallopian tube carcinoma resembles epithelial ovarian cancer, and histologically, it is also similar; hence, its evaluation and treatment are essentially the same.

 

Objective: As primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare gynecologic malignancy that poses a diagnostic dilemma and is often misdiagnosed as ovarian carcinoma, we report a case of primary high-grade serous adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube. This case highlights its role in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses and emphasizing the diagnostic challenges and the importance of intraoperative evaluation, appropriate treatment and follow-up.

 

Case Summary: A 48-year-old woman presented with watery vaginal discharge, and on bimanual examination, a firm, non-tender mass in the left fornix measuring 6 × 6 cm separately from the uterus. Radiological imaging suggested an ovarian tumour, and serum CA-125 was markedly elevated at 2586 U/ml. The patient underwent staging laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, total omentectomy, and pelvic as well as para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Intraoperatively, a solid, polypoidal growth measuring 5 × 5 × 7 cm was identified arising from the fimbrial end of the left fallopian tube. Approximately 100 ml of hemorrhagic peritoneal fluid was noted in the pelvis,  and two para-aortic lymph nodes were enlarged, measuring up to 1.5 × 1 cm. Histopathological examination confirmed a poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinoma of the left fallopian tube, classified as histologic grade III and nuclear grade II, and staged as pathological stage IC2.

 

Outcome: Postoperatively, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. She was monitored regularly over five years with physical examinations, CA-125 testing, and imaging studies, during which no symptoms or signs of recurrence were observed.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Gayam S.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vijay Marie Hospital, Hyderabad, India.

 

Babu C.
Department of Surgical Oncology, Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, India.

 

V.V.S. L.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vijay Marie Hospital, Hyderabad, India.

 

Maddali S.
Histopathology & Cytology Laboratory, Hyderabad, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v11/6258

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