Ovarian cancer typically begins in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Doctors may refer to cancer that begins in the fallopian tubes as fallopian cancer.

While the exact cause is unclear, doctors believe that most cases of ovarian cancer actually begin in the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus.

The cancer cells can then travel to the ovaries.

Doctors treat fallopian tube cancer, ovarian epithelial cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer in the same way.

Ovarian cancer does not begin in the fallopian tubes in every case. Removing the fallopian tubes will not completely prevent ovarian cancer.

However, a 2022 study noted that an opportunistic salpingectomy (a procedure to remove the fallopian tubes) led to a reduced risk of ovarian cancer.

The most common type of fallopian tube cancer is epithelial fallopian tube cancer. This begins in the epithelial cells.

Serous epithelial fallopian tube cancer is the most common subtype. It is typically a high-grade cancer, which means it will grow more quickly, and doctors typically diagnose it at a later stage than other subtypes.

Other subtypes include:

  • endometrioid cancer
  • clear cell carcinoma
  • mucinous cancer

If your doctor suspects fallopian tube or ovarian cancer, they will order tests to check for the presence of cancer cells. They can then confirm the diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments.

Learn more about how ovarian cancer spreads.