Borderline ovarian tumors: Features and controversial aspects
Article (PDF Available) in European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology 167(1) · December 2012 with 65 Reads
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.11.002 · Source: PubMed
Cite this publication
Enrico M. Messalli
24.31University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli " of Naples
Flavio Grauso
12.46Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli
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Giancarlo Balbi
19.95Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli
Antonella Napolitano
17.83Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
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Abstract
Objective: To investigate features and controversial aspects of the borderline ovarian tumor (BOT), a neoplasm with favorable prognosis representing 10-15% of epithelial ovarian tumors. Study design: : We retrospectively studied all patients treated at our institution from 2000 to 2010 taking into account the age, the stage, the type of surgery, the tumor size, the symptoms, the pre- and post-intervention tumor marker levels (CA125, CA19.9, CA15.3 and CEA), the presence of recurrence, the overall survival (OS), the progression-free survival (PFS). Results: A total of 43 patients were identified. The median age was 49 years (range: 15-82 years). The most frequent FIGO stage was IA (74% of the cases) with a prevalence of serous histotype, and 49% of the patients were asymptomatic. The CA125 level was abnormal in 55% of the patients before surgery, returning to the normal range in all cases after tumor removal. The PFS was 96% and 77% at five and sixty months respectively. Conclusion: The BOT is closer to a benign than to a malignant tumor in the early stages, when confined to the ovary (IA and IB). In these stages conservative surgery is safe and advisable for women seeking offspring. In the other stages the need for a careful and long-term follow-up arises. CA125, despite its modest sensitivity and specificity, has a role in the follow-up of BOT.