Magnetic Resonance and Computer Tomography in the Diagnosis of Primary Fallopian Tube Cancer

Abstract

Primary fallopian tube cancer (PTC) is a rare, highly malignant and difficult to diagnose disease. It accounts for 1.3–1.8% of all cases of cancer of the female genital organs and at least 4–6% of cancer of the uterine appendages. Epidemiological studies indicate an increase in the incidence of PTС. For example, according to American authors, from 2001 to 2014, it increased 4 times. Clinical manifestations of PTС are nonspecific and in the early stages of development, the tumor is disguised as other diseases, such as hydro-hematosalpinx, chronic inflammatory diseases, ovarian-menstrual cycle disorders, uterine leiomyoma, and others. Even in specialized oncology hospitals, reliable preoperative diagnoses range from 0 to 10-13%, and in the general medical network, even during operations, false diagnoses reach 50%. Without additional methods of examination, it is almost impossible to make a reliable diagnosis of PTС before surgery. Previously, for the purpose of diagnosing primary fallopian tube cancer, X-ray methods were used, then sonography, and nowadays magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) and computer tomography (CT) have started to be used in parallel with sonography. The aim of the study: to demonstrate cases of examination and diagnosis of primary fallopian tube cancer before surgery by MRT and to review the literature on the specified problem. Materials and methods: the study was conducted on the basis of the Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary during 2015-2022. Four patients were examined by the magnetic resonance method and 15 women by the computer tomography method; an analysis of 26 scientific sources of the world's periodical literature on the problems of MRІ diagnosis of PTC was carried out; statistical processing of the material. Results and discussion: In almost two patients with primary fallopian tube cancer examined by MRT, correct diagnoses were made before surgery, and out of 15 examined by the CT method, only two cases revealed a suspicion of PTC. Conclusions. In the diagnosis of primary fallopian tube cancer, MRT has significantly greater capabilities than sonography and computer tomography.