Epithelial ovarian tumors in young women under 35 years

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical-pathological pattern of primary malignant epithelial ovarian tumors in women under 35 years old. We have retrospectively analyzed data from 545 patients with these tumors, identifying 49 patients under age 35. We found a higher frequency of borderline tumors and early-stage tumors in young women than in those over 35. The influence of age as a factor in survival was evaluated by comparing the outcome in young patients and in women over 35. The 5-year survival rate, according to stage and aggressiveness factors, was significantly better in young patients. These findings support the concept of a preclinical phase of epithelial carcinoma and show that young women may be selected for conservative surgery, allowing a good quality of life.