Borderline epithelial tumors
(atypical proliferating tumors or ovarian low malignant potential tumors)
Borderline epithelial tumors have abnormal cells that may become cancer, but they usually remain in the ovary. These tumors form and grow from the outer covering of the ovary. They can gradually spread to the outside of the ovary, and mainly affect younger women.
Risk factors
- family history of ovarian cancer, especially in mother, sister, or daughter
- personal history of cancer
Symptoms
If you do have signs or symptoms, they may include the following:
- pain or swelling in the abdomen
- pelvic pain
- gas, bloating, and constipation
- difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- nausea and vomiting
- bloating
Treatment
Treatment used for Borderline epithelial tumors include:
- Surgery type depends on the size and spread of the tumor
- Chemotherapy uses medicine in your veins to kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or particles to kill cancer cells.
After surgery, if the tumor was only in one ovary, a woman is usually observed without further treatment and monitored with ultrasound exams.
Patients with ovarian low malignant potential tumors have a good prognosis, especially when the tumor is found early.
