1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer

What is Fallopian Tube Cancer?

By Lisa Fayed, About.com

Updated: November 02, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Nov 2 2005
Fallopian tube cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects women. Only 1500-2000 cases have been reported throughout the history of the disease. This is not to be confused with a metastatic cancer that has spread to the fallopian tubes. This article refers to primary fallopian tube cancer, meaning the cancer originated in the fallopian tubes.

Facts About Fallopian Tube Cancer

  • Fallopian tube cancer primarily affects women between the ages of 50 to 60, however women of any age can develop the disease

  • It accounts for only 2% of gynecologic cancer cancers

  • 300 women in the United States will be diagnosed with Fallopian tube cancer in 2005

  • Fallopian tube cancer affects more Caucasian women than women of other races


Fallopian tube cancer occurs when a malignant tumor or cells develop in the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are slim ducts that serve as a pathway for eggs to reach the uterus. Women have two fallopian tubes.
Explore Cancer
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer
  4. Women's Cancers
  5. Fallopian Tube Cancer
  6. Fallopian Tube Cancer - What is Fallopian Tube Cancer?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.