Ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (borderline tumors): immune morphology and current status

CA 125, CA 19-9 and CEA were demonstrated in tissue samples of 30 ovarian borderline tumors by immunohistochemistry. Of the 21 serous and 9 mucinous borderline tumors, 23 were in stage I and 7 stage III. None of the patients died of disease. All mucinous borderline tumors were CA 125 negative, 89% CA 19-9 positive and 44% CEA positive. 62% of the serous borderline tumors were CA 125 positive, 52% CA 19-9 and 19% CEA positive. Tumors of low malignant potential responded to CA 19-9 like invasive carcinomas. The incidence of positive responses to CA 125 ands CEA fell between that of benign and malignant tumors. The marker pattern did not correlate with tumor stage and cytological grading. The biological behavior of ovarian borderline tumors ranges between that of benign tumors and invasive carcinomas and cannot be classified as definitely belonging to either group. It is plausible that they are primarily of the borderline type, and not benign tumors that undergo malignant degeneration.