[Borderline ovarian tumors. A review and 11 cases]

To clarify and classify the still debated diagnostic and prognostic elements of borderline tumours of the ovary and analyze the data obtained in our series.

Develop an adapted management scheme, integrating relatively good prognosis and known or suspected factors of poor prognosis. SIEGE: Department of Gynaecology-Obstetrics, Hôtel-Dieu (CHU) Rennes, France.

Eleven patients with borderline tumour of the ovary diagnosed and managed over the last 5 years.

Current morphology and macroscopy examinations of the tumour do not provide data capable of predicting malignancy. The borderline nature of the tumour is not a histological diagnosis. The problems encountered lead to a search for new techniques such as digitalized nuclear morphology. Some progress has been made in classifying prognosis factors. Other than stage, important factors appear to be age, histological type, mitotic index, atypical cells and invasive peritoneal implants. Management decisions depend on prognosis factors but should especially take into account parity. Methods include cystectomy and total hysterectomy with annexectomy. Evaluation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is still to preliminary.

The slow clinical course, allowing good mid-term prognosis, is still the best reason for a moderated therapeutic approach relying on conservative or more aggressive surgery alone.