Ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (borderline). A retrospective study of 31 cases

Thirty-one patients with ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (borderline) treated between 1982 and 1992 have been reviewed. The mean age was 46.3 years (range: 20-77). Postsurgical stage (FIGO) obtained was: I 24 (77.4%), II 2 (6.5%) and III 4 (12.9%). Histologic subtypes were mucinous 16 (48.3%), serous 12 (38.7%), endometrioid 1 (3.2%) and mixed type 2 (6.5%). All patients underwent primary surgical treatment and conservative surgery (unilateral oophorectomy) was performed in 8 (25.8%) young patients at early-stage. Ovarian tumors were bilateral in 3 (9.7%) of cases; peritoneal implants were found in 4 (14.3%) cases; and retroperitoneal nodal involvement was confirmed in 1 (3.2%) case. Only patients at advanced-stage received adjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin-based). The survival rate obtained at 5 years was 100% for Stage IA, 96% for early-stage (I/II), and 75% for advanced-stage (III). Results were evaluated in order to assess clinicopathologic features, surgical approach, and outcome of borderline ovarian tumors.