Serous Borderline Ovarian Tumor Diagnosis, Management and Fertility Preservation in Young Women

Abstract

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) represent about 10 to 20 percent of all epithelial tumors of the ovary. They constitute intermediate lesions between benign ovarian cysts and invasive carcinomas. They often occur in young women of reproductive age, and, albeit with a favorable prognosis, it may recur on the ipsilateral or contralateral ovary. Controversies surround the diagnostic criteria used for their assessment, and the optimal management to minimize their risk of recurrence and/or transformation into malignant carcinoma. Fertility preservation (FP) is considered a priority in the management of these patients, and studies aim at finding the safest and most effective way to help women with BOT history conceive with minimal risk. We present the experience of a single institution in managing three cases of serous BOT in young nulliparous women, followed by a thorough review of the existing literature, highlighting controversies and exploring the possible FP techniques for these women.

Keywords

• borderline ovarian tumor
• fertility preservation
• conservative surgery
• recurrence
• diagnosis