[Clinical-pathological relationships of potenially malignant cystadenomas of the ovaries]

A retrospective analysis of selected cases with ovarian tumours accumulated in our institute over a period of 20 years was done. Eight serous and 5 mucinous cystadenomas of borderline malignancy were reviewed. Out of the serous cystadenomas two led to death through recurrence, in other two instances the fatal outcome was caused by the transformation of the tumour to carcinoma. One of the mucinous cystadenomas was recurring. The progression of these tumours was relatively slow, manifesting 5 years after the first intervention. The relative favourable prognosis of ovarian cystadenomas with borderline malignancy seems to be supported by the observation that in the remaining 8 cases, radical surgery can ensure a 9 to 16 years survival time. The analysis of certain cases demonstrates that partial surgery can be performed only under adequate condition.