Primary fallopian tube cancer (PFTC), also known as tubal cancer, is a malignant neoplasm that originates from the fallopian tube. Along with primary ovarian and peritoneal carcinomas, it is grouped under epithelial ovarian cancers; cancers of the ovary that originate from a fallopian tube precursor.

In the early stages, symptoms are typically vague. Other symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood stained watery vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or abdominal distension. An affected person may feel full or have weight loss.

Vaginal discharge in fallopian tube carcinoma results from intermittent hydrosalphinx, also known as hydrops tubae profluens.

The most common cancer type within this disease is adenocarcinoma; in the largest series of 3,051 cases as reported by Stewart et al. 88% of cases fell into this category. According to their study, half of the cases were poorly differentiated, 89% unilateral, and the distribution showed a third each with local disease only, with regional disease only, and with distant extensions. Rarer forms of tubal neoplasm include leiomyosarcoma, and transitional cell carcinoma.

As the tumor is often enmeshed with the adjacent ovary, it may be the pathologist and not the surgeon who determines that the lesion is indeed tubal in origin.

Secondary tubal cancer usually originates from cancer of the ovaries, the endometrium, the GI tract, the peritoneum, and the breast.

Diagnosis is by blood tests, medical imaging, and pathologic assessment of fallopian tissue. Blood tests include Ca-125 and CBC. Imaging includes transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI. Pathologic assessment may include SEE-FIM Protocol. A pelvic mass may be detected on a routine gynecologic examination. It may be found at an early stage when removing the tubes and ovaries as a preventive measure.

Ovarian and peritoneal cancers may present in a similar way.