Borderline epithelial ovarian tumor: A study of 48 cases.

ABSTRACT

Borderline epithelial ovarian tumor is a special entity of ovarian tumor. Compared with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer, borderline tumors have a much more favorable prognosis. Several issues remain unclear in the management of patients with borderline ovarian tumor. Objective: To review the clinical features, treatment and survival status of patients with borderline epithelial ovarian tumors. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of the records of 48 patients with borderline epithelial ovarian tumors registered at the Gynaecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University from January 1, 1986 - December 31, 1998 was performed. Results: Ninety percent of the patients had stage I disease. Mucinous cell type was found in 77.1% and serous cell type was found in 22.9%. All the patients received surgery and most of the patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Mean follow up time was 38.94 months and the 10 - year survival rate was 97.92%. Three patients had recurrence of disease. All patients with recurrence did so within 12 months. Conclusion: The prognosis of patients with borderline epithelial ovarian tumor is good. Conservative surgery should be performed for stage I patients who wish to remain fertile.