Women with risk factors for fallopian tube cancer and persistent/progressive symptoms should undergo evaluation by their health care provider. This evaluation should initially involve a comprehensive medical history and physical exam, including examination of the pelvis with a rectal exam. Additional testing may include imaging studies of the pelvis (and abdomen) via ultrasonography (US) or computed tomography (CT). Transvaginal US, utilizing high-frequency sound waves, is typically the best way to identify growths and cysts on the fallopian tube. CT imaging, which involves a series of computerized X-rays, can identify masses outside of the tubes or ovaries that could be suggestive of spread of cancer.
Blood tests may be drawn to measure levels of a specific protein known as the CA-125. While fallopian tube cancer cells produce this protein, women with small cancers confined to the tube may not show any elevation in blood tests. Furthermore, elevated levels are seen with a variety of benign and normal conditions, such as fibroids, endometriosis, simple ovarian cysts, as well as gastritis, hepatitis, and diverticulitis. New blood tests, such as HE4, may also be used in the future to determine the likelihood of ovarian cancer.