Understanding Fallopian Tube Cancer

Fallopian tube cancer is the development of cancer in the fallopian tubes. This is an extremely rare form of cancer, accounting for only 1-2% of all gynaecological cancers reported around the world.

It starts in the fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus and, if left untreated, spreads to other parts of the body. They start with an uncontrolled growth of the cells lining the inner surface of the fallopian tubes.

A fallopian tube tumour is formed that keeps growing until treated. This cancer can also spread to the surrounding regions or distant organs in the body.

As mentioned above, detecting fallopian tube cancer in its early stages is difficult. The prognosis depends on the following aspects:

• Stage of cancer

• Location and size of the tumour

• The overall health of the patient

Types of Fallopian Tube Cancer Fallopian tube cancer can be of different types as described below:

One of the most important factors considered by doctors while treating any form of cancer is the stage it is at. While there are many systems to identify the stage, the most commonly accepted one is the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) staging system. This system is based on three important aspects:

1. The extent of the tumour
2. How far has it spread into the surrounding organs and lymph nodes?
3. Any indication of distant metastasis?

Based on the FIGO system, Fallopian tube cancer can be divided into the following stages:

Most patients suffering from fallopian tube cancer experience mild or no symptoms. Hence, it is difficult to detect early. Here are some symptoms of fallopian tube cancer as it progresses:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Abdominal bloating or swelling

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Feeling full quickly when eating

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue or weakness

• Back pain

• Pain during sexual intercourse

Like most cancers, the reason for Uterus Cancer is unknown. However, you can go through the next section about risk factors to take precautionary steps to avoid getting it.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is any aspect that heightens the chances of a person developing cancer. While risk factors can contribute to the development and growth of cancer, they may not necessarily be the only cause of cancer. It is important to know the risk factors that cause cancer so that you can avoid or mitigate the development of cancerous cells by adopting healthier lifestyle changes. The risk factors of fallopian tube cancer include:

1. Genetics – Genes are passed on in a family. However, sometimes, certain genes undergo mutations for various reasons. These mutations can also be passed on to future generations. Certain gene mutations have been identified as potential indicators of the increased risk of developing fallopian tube cancer.

2. Reproductive History – A woman's reproductive history can indicate the level of risk she is exposed to for developing fallopian tube cancer. The factors include:

• Early commencement of menstruation

• Inability to conceive

• Fertile, but no children

• Never used oral contraceptives

• Delayed menopause

3. Weight – Obesity is directly linked to various diseases. This includes an increased risk of fallopian tube cancer.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, then it is recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional to diagnose the reason behind the symptoms. Here are some tests conducted by a doctor for diagnosing fallopian tube cancer:**

• Pelvic examination: First, the doctor will check the patient physically and look for any abnormal lump in the abdomen or pelvic region. The patient might also be examined for abnormal growths in the reproductive system.

• CA125 Test: Next, the patient is asked to take a blood test where the level of a blood protein called CA125 is checked. Increased levels of this protein indicate the presence of gynaecological disease.

• MRI. CT Scan, or Sonography: After the physical examination and blood test, if the doctor suspects cancer, then the patient is put through imaging tests to look for abnormalities inside.

An oncologist will determine the treatment course based on a range of factors like the cancer’s stage, the patient’s age and health, etc. Here is a quick look at the common fallopian tube cancer treatment:

• Surgery

  One of the first steps in treating fallopian tube cancer is the removal of the cancerous cells via surgery. This usually involves removing the fallopian tubes. In some cases, the surgeon might have to remove both the tube along with the ovaries and lymph nodes. In extreme cases, the uterus might have to be removed too.

• Chemotherapy

  Once the surgery is done, the doctor will usually recommend chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells in the body. This treatment involves medicines that can be taken orally in the form of pills or intravenously. In some cases, the doctor might recommend chemotherapy before the surgery too.

• Radiation therapy

  In some cases, doctors might use energy rays to kill localised cancer cells. This treatment is called radiation therapy. This can be done at any stage, depending on the doctor’s recommendation.

• Targeted therapy

  Sometimes, the drugs administered under chemotherapy can damage healthy cells too. Hence, doctors might recommend targeted therapy that involves drugs that target only the cancer cells and minimise damage to the healthy ones.

• Hormone therapy

  In our body, cell growth is triggered by certain hormones. Cancer cells also need these triggers to grow and expand. Under hormone therapy, such hormones are blocked. This is particularly effective for fallopian tube cancer cases that are hormone-sensitive.

Treating cancer requires early diagnosis, immediate medical intervention, and a healthy lifestyle.

Medical science is yet to understand the causes of cancer. Hence, preventing it completely is not possible. However, we know about the risk factors that increase the chances of developing fallopian tube cancer. Hence, we can take steps to reduce the risks as explained below:

Diagnosing, treating, and managing a fallopian tube cancer patient can be costly. Therefore, it is important to have a medical insurance plan like the one offered by Tata AIG.

Here are the benefits of a fallopian tube cancer health insurance policy from Tata AIG:

• Wide range of plans: You can choose from a range of plans to suit your requirements.

• Cashless claims: With Tata AIG, you can get the treatment done from a network hospital without having to pay upfront and claim later. This cashless claim facility is particularly beneficial in treating cancer since the costs can be very high.

• Affordable premiums: Tata AIG’s medical insurance plans are designed to be effective and affordable. Hence, you can get the best coverage for your loved ones in a cost-efficient package.

• Lifetime renewability: While some insurers have limits to the age until when the policyholder can renew the plan, with Tata AIG, you get lifetime renewability.

• Additional benefits: Tata AIG offers a range of benefits, including ambulance charges coverage, alternative treatment cover, etc. Please read the policy document carefully to understand the nature and extent of the coverage offered

Here is a quick look at the process to buy TATA AIG Health insurance:

Online Process:

• Visit https://www.tataaig.com

• Go to the Health Insurance Page

• Choose the number of people covered under the policy:

• For individual policies, select only “Self” and click on “Get Plan”

• For family policies, select the family members that you want to be included and click on “Get Plan”

• Enter the date of birth of all covered members and your contact information

• Click on “See Plan”

• Go through the inclusions, exclusions, and coverage offered by each plan offered and select the best one for your needs

• Customize the policy by selecting add-on covers. Also, make sure to select the optimum sum insured

• Click on “Buy Now”

• We will call you to complete the buying process

Offline purchase:

• Visit the nearest TATA AIG office

• Speak to our representative and provide complete details of the coverage that you need

• Ensure that you inform the representative of the medical history of all covered members

• The representative will offer some options. Choose the best plan for your requirements

• Choose add-on covers and the sum insured

• Review the policy details, premium amount, and coverage benefits

• Pay the fees

Here is a general list of documents needed to buy TATA AIG’s medical insurance plan:

• Identification proof: Passport, driving license, Aadhaar card, or PAN card

• Address proof: A utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement.

• Age proof: A birth certificate or school leaving certificate.

• Medical history: You may be required to provide details of your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, surgeries, or illnesses.

• Income proof: Salary slips or income tax returns

• Passport-sized photographs

Here are some points that you need to keep in mind while searching for a health insurance policy that covers fallopian tube cancer:**

• Coverage for cancer treatment: Ensure that the plan offers coverage for different types of treatment for fallopian cancer like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Also, ensure that it covers all related expenses.

• Inpatient hospitalisation coverage: Usually, with cancer treatment, hospitalisation cannot be avoided. Hence, make sure that the policy includes cover for hospitalisation expenses.

• Outpatient care coverage: Sometimes, you might have to visit a doctor without being hospitalised. Also, you might be asked to take certain tests or medicines by your doctor. Make sure that the policy covers all such costs.

• Network of hospitals: Your insurer must have a hospital network that can cater to your varying medical needs.

• Pre-existing condition coverage: If you have symptoms of cancer before buying the policy, then make sure that you check with the insurer about the terms and conditions for pre-existing ailments. This will include the waiting period and any other clauses.

• Co-payment and deductibles: If the premium of the policy is above your budget, then you can look for co-payment and/or deductibles to reduce it without compromising on the coverage.

• No-claim bonus: While most providers offer this feature, make sure that the insurer offers a good reward for not filing any claim during a policy term.

• Renewability: Make sure that the insurer allows you to renew the policy for as long as you want and does not have an age limit beyond which the policy lapses.

Remember, there are many insurance companies and different types of plans to help cover the costs of fallopian tube cancer treatment. Make sure that you compare providers and plans to find the policy that is within your budget and suits your needs. Also, go through the policy wording carefully to understand the coverage before signing the dotted line.

If you need to file a claim under Fallopian Tube Cancer insurance, it's important to keep the following things in mind:**

• Create a file of documents: When you file a claim, the insurer will require you to submit a range of documents including reports, bills, receipts, and prescriptions. Create a file where these papers are arranged in chronological order.

• Let the insurer know about the diagnosis: Since the insurer has to approve your claim, you will need to follow the instructions for maximum benefit. Hence, talk to your insurer and inform them about the diagnosis as soon as possible.

• Avoid mistakes while filing a claim: You will have to provide information to the insurer about the disease and treatment for claim approval. Make sure that you don’t make errors while filing a claim. This can result in a delay in processing or claim rejection.

• Provide requested information: Sometimes, the insurer might need additional information or documents to process your claim. Make sure that you provide them immediately for the smooth processing of your claim.

• Track your claim: Make sure that you keep track of your claim and follow up with the insurer regularly. This will allow you to address any issues without wasting time.

• Understand the terms and conditions: Most claims are rejected because policyholders don’t go through the terms and conditions carefully. Avoid this mistake and remove time to understand all the terms and conditions of your policy.

These tips can help you get your fallopian tube cancer claim processed in a hassle-free manner.

Here are the details of the tax benefits of health insurance under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act:

Individual policy

Here are the tax deduction benefits or an individual policy:

• Age = Less than 60 years > maximum tax deduction of Rs.25,000 per year

• Age = More than 60 years > maximum tax deduction of Rs.50,000 per year

Policy for yourself, your spouse, and your dependent children

Here are the tax deduction benefits:

• Age of self/spouse = Less than 60 years > maximum tax deduction of Rs.25,000 per year

• Age of self/spouse = More than 60 years > maximum tax deduction of Rs.50,000 per year

Policy for parents

Here are the tax deduction benefits:

• Age of parents = Less than 60 years > maximum tax deduction of Rs.25,000 per year

• Age of parents = More than 60 years > maximum tax deduction of Rs.50,000 per year