Fallopian Tube Cancer in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Fallopian tube cancer is one of the rarest gynecologic cancers. In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, it is most often diagnosed in older women, especially those who have gone through menopause. The exact cause is still unknown, but many risk factors are similar to those for ovarian cancer.

Local cancer centers in Grand Rapids—such as Spectrum Health (Corewell Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health—have specialists experienced in diagnosing and treating rare gynecologic cancers, including fallopian tube cancer.

What Are the Fallopian Tubes?

The fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive system. There are two tubes, one on each side of the uterus (womb). Each tube opens near an ovary and:

  • Carries the egg (ovum) from the ovary to the uterus
  • Is a common site where fertilization (egg and sperm meeting) occurs

Growing evidence suggests that many ovarian cancers may actually start in the cells of the fallopian tubes. Because of this, the risk factors and treatment approaches for fallopian tube cancer and ovarian cancer are often similar.

How Common Is Fallopian Tube Cancer?

Fallopian tube cancer is very rare, even compared with other gynecologic cancers. In a metro area the size of Grand Rapids, only a small number of new cases are expected each year. This rarity can make diagnosis more challenging, so it’s important to seek care from gynecologic oncology specialists at major health systems like Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Symptoms of Fallopian Tube Cancer

In its early stages, fallopian tube cancer often causes no symptoms (asymptomatic). It is sometimes found incidentally during pelvic exams or imaging done for other reasons.

Symptoms tend to appear as the cancer grows or spreads. Possible signs and symptoms include:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding not related to your normal menstrual period (especially after menopause)
  • Watery or blood-stained vaginal discharge
  • Swelling or bloating of the lower abdomen not explained by weight gain
  • A lump or mass in the lower abdomen or pelvis
  • Persistent pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
  • A feeling of pressure on the bowel or bladder
  • Feeling like you cannot completely empty your bladder or bowels

These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions (such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, or urinary issues), which are common in Michigan women, especially in colder months when people may be less active. However, any persistent or unusual pelvic or vaginal symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of fallopian tube cancer is not known. However, several factors are thought to increase risk:

Age and Menopause

  • Most women diagnosed are between 50 and 60 years old
  • Risk increases after menopause

Reproductive History

  • Never having children (nulliparity) is associated with a higher risk
  • Having your first child later in life may also increase risk slightly

Inherited Gene Mutations

  • Inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer
  • Women in Grand Rapids with a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or fallopian tube cancer may be referred for genetic counseling and testing through local health systems or specialty clinics

Other Possible Risk Factors

Research is ongoing, but possible additional factors may include:

  • Personal or family history of ovarian, breast, or fallopian tube cancer
  • Certain hereditary cancer syndromes
  • Long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT), depending on type and duration

Cold Michigan winters and seasonal lifestyle changes do not directly cause fallopian tube cancer, but they can influence overall health behaviors (exercise, diet, and screenings). Staying connected with regular gynecologic care in Grand Rapids is important year-round.

How Fallopian Tube Cancer Is Diagnosed

There is no routine screening test specifically for fallopian tube cancer. Diagnosis usually involves several steps:

Medical History and Physical Exam

Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or gynecologist will:

  • Ask about your symptoms, menstrual history, family history of cancer, and overall health
  • Perform a pelvic exam to feel for any masses or tenderness

Blood Tests

  • Blood tests may include tumor markers such as CA-125, which can be elevated in ovarian and fallopian tube cancers (though it is not specific)

Imaging Tests

Local hospitals and imaging centers in Grand Rapids may use:

  • Pelvic ultrasound (transvaginal and/or abdominal) to look at the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes
  • CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
  • MRI in selected cases
  • Sometimes PET scans to look for spread of disease

Surgical Evaluation

Definitive diagnosis often requires surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist:

  • Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) – a minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera to view the pelvic organs and take tissue samples
  • Laparotomy (open abdominal surgery) – a larger incision to fully examine the abdomen and pelvis, remove the tumor, and stage the cancer

During surgery, a biopsy (tissue sample) is taken from the suspected cancer and sent to a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis.

Staging Fallopian Tube Cancer

Staging describes how far the cancer has spread. During surgery, the surgeon may:

  • Remove the omentum (a fatty apron that hangs from the stomach)
  • Take multiple biopsies from different areas of the abdomen and pelvis
  • Check nearby lymph nodes

This helps determine whether the cancer is confined to the fallopian tube or has spread to other organs. Staging is crucial in planning treatment at Grand Rapids cancer centers.

Treatment Options in Grand Rapids

Treatment for fallopian tube cancer depends on:

  • The stage of the cancer
  • The size and location of the tumor
  • Whether the cancer has spread
  • Your overall health
  • Whether you wish to preserve fertility (in very early-stage cases)

In West Michigan, treatment is usually coordinated by a gynecologic oncologist at major hospitals such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for most women:

  • Salpingo-oophorectomy

    • Removal of the affected fallopian tube and its ovary

  • Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

    • Removal of both fallopian tubes and both ovaries

  • Hysterectomy

    • Removal of the uterus along with the fallopian tubes and ovaries
    • Often performed when the cancer is more advanced or when childbearing is complete

  • Bowel resection

    • If the cancer has spread to the bowel, part of the bowel may need to be removed

During these procedures, the surgeon may also remove the omentum and lymph nodes and take additional biopsies to accurately stage the cancer.

Chemotherapy

  • Chemotherapy uses cancer-killing drugs that travel through the bloodstream
  • It is commonly recommended after surgery to treat any remaining cancer cells and to help control or prevent secondary cancers
  • Treatment is usually given in cycles at infusion centers in Grand Rapids hospitals or cancer clinics
  • Side effects can be managed with support from your oncology team

Radiation Therapy

  • Radiation therapy uses precisely targeted x-rays to kill cancer cells
  • It is not commonly used for fallopian tube cancer, but may be considered in certain situations
  • If recommended, it is usually delivered at specialized radiation oncology centers in the Grand Rapids area

Follow-Up and Long-Term Monitoring

After treatment, regular follow-up is important to watch for signs of recurrence and to manage any long-term side effects.

A typical follow-up schedule may include:

  • Every 3 months for the first 2 years
  • Every 6 months for the next 3 years
  • Yearly visits after that, depending on your oncologist’s advice

Follow-up visits in Grand Rapids may include:

  • Physical and pelvic exams
  • Blood tests (including CA-125, if it was elevated before)
  • Imaging tests if new symptoms arise

Your care team will also help you manage menopausal symptoms, bone health (especially important during Michigan’s long winters when vitamin D levels may be lower), and emotional well-being.

Prognosis and Survival

Your long-term outlook (prognosis) depends on:

  • The stage of the cancer at diagnosis
  • Whether the cancer had spread beyond the fallopian tube
  • How well the cancer responds to treatment
  • Your overall health

If fallopian tube cancer is diagnosed and treated in its early stages, the five-year survival rate can be around 84%. Early evaluation of symptoms and access to specialized care in Grand Rapids improve the chances of a better outcome.

Local Support and Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have been diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer or are concerned about your risk, you do not have to navigate this alone. Resources in Grand Rapids and Michigan include:

Medical and Clinical Care

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) – Grand Rapids
    Gynecologic oncology, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation services

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Comprehensive cancer care, including gynecologic cancer specialists

  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    Oncology services and referrals to gynecologic oncology

  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
    Women’s health and cancer care services

  • Your GP or primary care provider
    First point of contact for symptoms, referrals, and ongoing care

Public Health and Community Support

  • Kent County Health Department
    Information on women’s health, cancer screening programs, and local resources

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids resources
    Community health programs, support for low-income or uninsured residents

  • Cancer Council–style support (Michigan-based organizations)

    • Local and state cancer societies offering education, support groups, and navigation services
    • Ask your Grand Rapids oncologist or nurse navigator for current local support groups and counseling services

  • Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Support Organizations (U.S.)

    • National and regional groups offering helplines, peer support, and educational materials for women with ovarian and fallopian tube cancers

Your treatment center in Grand Rapids will often provide a nurse care coordinator or patient navigator to help you:

  • Understand your diagnosis and treatment
  • Coordinate appointments
  • Connect with financial counselors, social workers, and support groups

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider or gynecologist in Grand Rapids if you notice:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
  • Persistent pelvic or lower abdominal pain
  • Ongoing bloating or abdominal swelling
  • A new pelvic or abdominal mass
  • Unexplained changes in bowel or bladder habits

Prompt evaluation at a local clinic or hospital can help identify serious conditions early, including rare cancers like fallopian tube cancer.

Key Points About Fallopian Tube Cancer

  • Fallopian tube cancer is one of the rarest gynecologic cancers.
  • It most often affects postmenopausal women, typically between 50 and 60 years old.
  • Risk factors are similar to ovarian cancer and include inherited gene mutations (BRCA) and not having children.
  • Symptoms may be absent in early stages and can include unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and abdominal swelling.
  • Diagnosis involves medical history, pelvic exam, blood tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI), and often surgery with biopsy.
  • Treatment usually includes surgery and chemotherapy; radiation therapy is not commonly used.
  • Early-stage diagnosis is associated with a favorable five-year survival rate (around 84%).
  • Women in Grand Rapids have access to specialized gynecologic oncology care through major health systems and local support resources.

If you live in Grand Rapids or West Michigan and have concerns about fallopian tube cancer, talk with your primary care provider, OB-GYN, or contact a local cancer center for evaluation and guidance.