Borderline ovarian tumors: what you need to know about them?
Borderline tumors are a distinct category of ovarian tumors. These tumors cannot be clearly classified as either benign or malignant. Although they exhibit certain abnormalities at the cellular level, they do not have the aggressive characteristics of true malignant tumors.
What does the term “borderline” mean?
The term “borderline” means that these tumors are located on the border between benign and malignant lesions. Although the cells show increased division activity and atypia (abnormal appearance of cells), they do not invade surrounding tissues, which is characteristic of true cancerous tumors.
What types are there?
The most common types of borderline ovarian tumors are:
- Serous borderline tumor – occurs mostly in younger women, often with little tendency to spread.
- Mucinous borderline tumor – usually larger and less common than the serous form.
- Endometrioid and clear cell borderline tumors – these are rarer, but they do exist
Who can it affect?
Borderline tumors usually occur in younger women, often diagnosed under the age of 40. Because they are not typically aggressive, their prognosis is significantly better than that of malignant ovarian cancer.
What symptoms can it cause?
In the early stages, these tumors are often asymptomatic and are often only discovered during a routine gynecological examination or ultrasound. In more advanced cases, the following symptoms may occur:
- Abdominal bloating, lower abdominal discomfort
- Menstrual disorders
- Frequent urination due to ovarian enlargement
- Pain in the lower abdomen
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis usually involves ultrasound, blood tests (e.g. CA-125 tumor marker), and if necessary, CT or MRI scans. However, a definitive diagnosis can only be made with histological examination.
The mainstay of treatment for borderline tumors is surgical removal, which is performed by Dr. Bahrehmand Kiarash. The type of surgery depends on the patient's age, the size and extent of the tumor:
- For young women planning to have children, removing part of the ovary or just the tumor is often sufficient.
- At an older age, or if the tumor affects both ovaries, more extensive surgery may be required, including removal of the uterus and ovaries.
What is the prognosis of borderline tumors?
The prognosis of borderline ovarian tumors is generally very good, as they do not spread rapidly. After appropriate surgical intervention, the chances of survival are very high, and in most cases the disease does not return. However, long-term follow-up is necessary to detect any recurrence in time.
Book an appointment with Dr. Bahrehmand Kiarash (Dr. Kia) obstetrician-gynecologist!
Specialist appointments and diagnostic tests take place at Villa Medicina, while surgical procedures take place at an external location.
Appointment booking: Ágnes Somodi +36 70 366 4169 (TUESDAY, THURSDAY 9.00 – 16.00)
