GuidelinesOther guideline
Borderline Ovarian Tumours
This booklet is intended as a practical guide to patient care for registrars, medical officers, interns and medical students attached to the gynaecology units at the University of the Witwatersrand Academic Hospitals. Anyone can use it.
‘Tumours of low malignant potential’
These tumors are recognized by histology - pleomorphic/atypical/ dysplastic cells with mitoses, with ‘stratification’ of the epithelial lining of cysts or papillae but no ovarian stromal invasion.
Though they are not invasive, these tumours may metastasize (a borderline tumour can be stage III). At surgery & pre-op they may be thought benign or malignant.
Diagnosis and management
- Borderline tumors occur predominantly in young & middle aged patients
- Staging is as for ovarian cancer
- About 10% of borderline tumors recur
- Management is controversial & often based on age or fertility wishes