Borderline Tumors of the Ovary

Borderline tumors of the ovary are a rare entity, comprising approximately 10--15% of all ovarian neoplasms. While they generally behave in a benign manner, they do have a potential for recurrence and/or malignant transformation. Serous borderline tumors in particular may transform into low-grade serous carcinomas, which occur more commonly if they display a micropapillary pattern on histology. Treatment of borderline tumors includes surgery with removal of the affected ovary, contralateral ovary, and uterus and full staging. It is acceptable to perform fertility-preserving surgery, but postoperative surveillance is recommended with completion hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy once patients have completed childbearing. Although rare, in the case of recurrent disease, chemotherapy has limited utility and secondary tumor reductive surgery is recommended.