Ovarian borderline tumours have also been referred to as “tumours of low malignant potential” or “atypical proliferative tumours”; however “borderline tumour” is the preferred terminology. Borderline tumours exhibit epithelial proliferation and cytologic atypia, beyond that acceptable for a benign neoplasm, but do not exhibit the destructive growth seen in carcinomas. Approximately 15% of all epithelial ovarian neoplasms are borderline tumours and the majority (~70%) are stage I at diagnosis.
Serous and mucinous borderline ovarian tumours are the two most common types, while endometrioid, Brenner, and clear cell borderline ovarian tumours are much less common. The term “seromucinous” has a confusing name, but merely refers to a tumour of mixed epithelial types (i.e. serous, mucinous, endometrioid, etc.). Although “seromucinous” is officially included in the most current WHO classification, the name will likely fall out of favour in the future, and replaced by specifically listing the epithelial components present.
Surgery for borderline ovarian tumours (BOT) is often performed in the community as they commonly arise in young women with a low index of suspicion of cancer. Detailed operative reports should describe all peritoneal surfaces in the pelvis and upper abdomen, contralateral ovary, omentum, and adjacent structures. When these findings are adequately documented, patients may not need repeat surgical staging procedures. Washings and unilateral cystectomy or BSO can be considered for young women wishing to maintain childbearing. Research suggests cystectomy for BOT is associated with increased reoperation rate e.g. for subsequent cystectomies, or unilateral salpingo-oophorectomies, but does not negatively impact survival. Staging for BOT has evolved in the last decades, recognizing that lymph node metastases are exceedingly rare and the most common distribution of disease is in the ovaries, adjacent pelvic structures, peritoneal fluid and/or omentum. Thus, modern staging procedures involve sampling these areas. In women who did not have this staging performed at initial operation, then re-operation is warranted unless there are significant co-morbidities. Women who are peri- or postmenopausal should consider removal of both ovaries, omental sampling and washings. In patients with pathology confirmed serous BOT without evidence of carcinoma, extra-ovarian disease, or invasive implants, surgery results in cure with very low risk of recurrence. Discussion with one of the BC Cancer team members or electronic triage for review of operative report and pathology can be requested. However, formal appointment for patients with confirmed stage I BOT is rarely needed. Additional surgery may be recommended in individuals with: (1) micropapillary component, as there is an increased risk of invasive extra-ovarian implants; (2) advanced stage disease or residual tumour. Post-operative systemic treatment, e.g., chemotherapy or hormonal, is recommended only for women with invasive implants. Follow-up is recommended at 6 month intervals, decreasing to yearly after the 2nd year from surgery.
Patients with BOT should not be referred to the
Hereditary Cancer Program, as there is no known hereditary predisposition to these tumours.
