Tumors of the fallopian tube can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are certain tumors that are classified as atypical (uncertain or unspecified behavior) meaning that some behave in a benign manner, or some behave in a malignant manner. A majority of the fallopian tube tumors diagnosed via lab studies (biopsy) are benign.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is an authoritative body that compiles, prepares, and publishes histological and molecular classification of tumors, via their Blue Books, based on research inputs from experts worldwide. These reference books chiefly aid in global cancer research, provide gold standards for tumor diagnosis, and help in treating cancer patients.

According to the WHO Classification of Female Genital Tumors (2020), 5th Ed., Vol. 4, benign and malignant tumors of the fallopian tube are classified in the following manner:

Tumors of the fallopian tube:

• Tumors of the fallopian tube

Epithelial tumors

• Benign serous tumors
  • Serous adenofibroma and papilloma of the fallopian tube
• Borderline serous tumors
  • Serous borderline tumor of the fallopian tube
• Malignant epithelial tumors
  • High-grade serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube
  • Endometrioid carcinoma of the fallopian tube
  • Carcinosarcoma of the fallopian tube

Tumor-like lesions

• Paratubal cysts
• Tubal hyperplasia
• Tubo-ovarian abscess
• Salpingitis isthmica nodosa
• Metaplastic papillary lesion
• Placental site nodule occurring in the fallopian tube
• Mucinous metaplasia
• Endosalpingiosis of the fallopian tube

Mixed epithelial and mesenchymal tumors

• Adenosarcoma of the fallopian tube

Germ cell tumors

• Teratoma of the fallopian tube

Additional fallopian tube tumor articles (on DoveMed) that are not part of WHO Classification of Female Genital Tumors:

Angiomyolipoma of Fallopian Tube: It is an extremely uncommon extrarenal angiomyolipoma that may be present in adult women. An angiomyolipoma is a benign tumor that is a mixture of blood vessels, smooth muscles, and fat.