Primary fallopian tube cancers (PFTCs) are rare gynecological malignancies with the prevalence of 0.3-1%. The PFTCs occur in individuals within the age range of 18-88 years, specifically 40-65 years, with the mean age of 55 years (1-3). The PFTC usually is observed with the chronic inflammation of the fallopian tube, infertility, tuberculous salpingitis, and tubal endometriosis (4, 5). Most of PFTC metastasis occur via hematogenous, lymphatic, and peritoneal routes, which is usually asymptomatic (6). About 0-10% of patients are diagnosed with this disease before the surgery and most of

Discussion

The primary carcinoma of the fallopian
tube, known as rare aggressive gynecological malignancy, was first identified by Reynaud in 1847, which involves less than 1% of genital tract cancers. This disease mostly occurs among menopausal women (11-13). According to the previous studies, the incidence of this carcinoma can be much higher due to a large number of the misdiagnosis of PFTCs as ovarian cancers (12, 14-16). However, the etiology of this malignancy remains unclear. Although there are no specific symptoms for its diagnosis, some studies reported that this malignancy is mostly associated with some symptoms, such as abdominal pain due to tubal distention, pelvic inflammation, abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge, followed by nulliparity, infertility, and Latzko’s triad (1, 14, 17). Moreover, it is important to distinguish PFTC from epithelial ovarian cancer that are similar both clinically and histologically (18). Nevertheless, PFTC is not usually diagnosed before the surgical specimen due to its nonspecific symptoms (19).

The importance of lymphatic expansion was first introduced by Tamimi and Figge as the main cause of the spread of fallopian tube cancer (20). The lymphatic drainage of the fallopian tube may indicate its metastatic pattern and it follows the fundus of the uterus and ovaries. For example, the proximal part of the tube that is near the uterus drains into the para-aortic nodes, fimbriae drains to the pelvic nodes from the distal portion, and the round ligament may drains to the inguinal lymph nodes through the lymphatic ducts (19, 21-23).

According to previous studies, it is clear that lymphadenopathy is a rare sign of primary fallopian tube cancer and only a few number of patients have been reported so far. Several studies reported that lymphatic node metastases frequently occurs in women who are the victim of emergency obstetric care and have indicated the involvement of abdominal and pelvic, supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes and inguinal lymph nodes (24-27). Furthermore, it is documented that the frequency of inguinal lymph nodes involvement is less than lymphadenopathy of other sites (e.g., pelvic and supradiaphragmatic) and it has been observed in only a few cases (28-30).

The most expressed antigen associated with PFTC is CA-125 that is not enough to detect the tumor progression; however, it can be a useful marker during the patient’s follow-up (31). According to the obtained results of the current study, several possible tumor markers, such
as CEA, CA125, CA19-9, and CA15-3, were negative.

According to previous studies, Winter-Roach et al. reported the case of inguinal lymph node metastasis as an unusual presentation of fallopian tube carcinoma in 2000. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, pelvic, and para-aortic lymphadenectomy were performed for this patient and it became clear that in addition to the right fallopian tube cancer, implants were present on the ovarian serosa. Evidently, it has been the first case of PFTC that reported in this way (22).

Moreover, Euscher et al. presented a case of right inguinal lymph node caused by fallopian tube cancer similar to our case in a study named “Serous Carcinoma of the Ovary, Fallopian Tube, or Peritoneum Presenting as Lymphadenopathy” during a 20-year period (1982–2002) (6). Moreover, Jennifer Cho et al. reported a 72-year-old G3P3 postmenopausal woman diagnosed with PFTC with left inguinal lymph node metastasis in 2006 (19). Furthermore, Hviid et al. described a case with metastases to both ovaries and one inguinal lymph node in a study named “atypical debut of symptoms of fallopian tube cancer” in 2013. (32)

Conclusion

As mentioned, PFTC is an extremely rare problem that makes a challenge for surgeons and its causes are still unknown. Since it is difficult to conduct initial diagnosis after primary surgery and definitive diagnosis of the disease, the surgeons complete the previous surgical procedure by performing an additional surgery. However, this issue seems to increase mortality among patients. As aresult, it is essential to conduct more comprehensive studies to find the effective methods of diagnosis and apply the best medical management protocols for a better treatment of the disease, and therefore reduce mortality.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their thanks to the Imam Khomeini Hospital of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, and also the cooperation of staff working at this hospital.

Conflicts of Interest

Authors declare no conflicts of interest.