Incidence of ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube carcinomas in the United States, 1995-2004

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this analysis was to describe the distribution of pelvic carcinomas in the United States by demographic, pathologic, and clinical features.

Methods: Carcinomas of the ovary (n = 112,541), peritoneum (n = 6,458), and fallopian tube (n = 3,479) were identified through 24 population-based registries in the United States during the period 1995 to 2004. Age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated per million population using counts derived from the 2000 U.S. census.

Results: The age-adjusted incidence rate for ovarian carcinoma (119.9 per million) was substantially higher than for peritoneal (6.78 per million) or fallopian tube (3.72 per million) carcinomas. White women had the highest rates for all three malignancies. Rates for peritoneal carcinoma were lowest among Black women (2.88 per million) and rates for fallopian tube carcinoma were lowest among Hispanic women (2.45 per million). Serous carcinomas were the most commonly diagnosed histologic type for all anatomic sites. Peritoneal carcinomas were diagnosed at later ages (mean, 67 years) and more advanced stages (85% regional/distant) compared with fallopian tube carcinomas (mean, 64 years; 62% regional/distant) and ovarian carcinomas (mean, 63 years; 76% regional/distant). Incidence for all three pelvic carcinomas was lowest in the South. Time trend analyses between 1973 and 2005 exhibited a significant decline in ovarian carcinoma incidence and rises in the rates of peritoneal and fallopian tube cancers.

Conclusions: Similarities in the incidence patterns for ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube carcinomas support the likelihood of a common molecular pathogenesis.

Figure 1. Age-adjusted incidence rates for ovarian, peritoneal and fallopian tube carcinoma, by age group

Footnote: Source: Survey Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program data file, “Incidence SEER 9 Registries Limited-Use, Nov 2007 Sub (1973–2005)”.

Figure 2. Age-adjusted incidence rates for ovarian, peritoneal and fallopian tube carcinoma, by calendar year (3-year moving averages)

Footnote: Source: Survey Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program data file, “Incidence SEER 9 Registries Limited-Use, Nov 2007 Sub (1973–2005)”.