Primary adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube. A case report with discussion of its pattern of endometrial spread and possible resulting diagnostic confusion.

The case of a 59-year-old woman with primary adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube is reported. The case presented with pain and a pelvic mass, and at laparotomy appeared to represent severe pelvic inflammatory disease with a hydrosalpinx. Histologically a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube was found. There was contiguous spread of the tumor to the endometrial surface, to endometrial polyps, and to the opposite fallopian tube. The difficulty of clinical diagnosis is discussed, especially in regard to the pattern of endometrial spread.