Clinical outcome of cystectomy compared with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as fertility-sparing treatment of borderline ovarian tumors. Fertil Steril. 2007;88:479-484. [PMID: 17408624 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.11.128]

Borderline tumours of ovary and fertility preservation-Outcomes from a tertiary care center in India

OBJECTIVE

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) are characterized by atypical epithelial proliferation without stromal invasion and majority are diagnosed in women of reproductive age group desirous of fertility preservation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of patients diagnosed with BOT and on regular follow up at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, during a nine-year study period from March 2014 to March 2023 was performed. Surgical treatment was classified as radical or fertility sparing surgery (FSS). Surgical staging was defined as complete, partial or un-staged.

RESULTS

Median age of 91 women was 34 years. Follow up period ranged from 4 to 222 months (median 77 months). Among 68 premenopausal women, 31 (46 %) underwent radical surgery and FSS in 37 (54 %) cases. Median time to conception in 29 women with future fertility wishes was 13 months (range, 4 to38 m). Seven of 29 cases (29 %) required ovulation induction. The pregnancy rate was 82.7 % and live birth rate was 80 %. Eight cases (8.7 %) had a recurrence (7- un-staged, 1- partially staged) and median time to recur was 36 months. There was no significant difference in recurrence between cystectomy/oophorectomy. Ovary was the site of recurrence in all surgically salvaged cases except peritoneal cavity in 1 case with mortality. Relapse free survival at 5 and 10 years in FSS and radical surgery group were similar.

CONCLUSION

FSS is a safe procedure and should be considered in young patients desirous of future fertility along with a comprehensive peritoneal staging. Reproductive outcomes are excellent.

Exceptional lymph node recurrence of an unusual ovarian tumor 16 years later: a case report

BACKGROUND

Sex cord-stromal tumors with annular tubules are a rare tumor accounting for less than 1% of all ovarian malignancies. However, they are characterized by very late recurrence, which can be as late as 30 years after diagnosis and treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 16-year-old female Caucasian patient was treated in our department for a stage IA ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors with annular tubules. She underwent a left salpingo-oophorectomy and ipsilateral pelvic node biopsy with no adjuvant treatment. She was seen for amenorrhea after being lost to follow up for 16 years. The diagnosis of recurrence was made by radiology and the elevation of serum inhibin B level. The patient underwent resection of the tumor, left segmental colectomy, and paraaortic lymphadenectomy because the mass was massively adherent to the left mesocolon. Histology confirmed the diagnosis with no metastatic lymph nodes. No adjuvant therapy was indicated. The patient was lost to follow-up again for 4 years and re-presented for amenorrhea. Serum inhibin B level was high. A second recurrence was suggested, and the patient underwent a laparoscopic surgery. We performed left pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy, and 3 months after surgery the patient was pregnant.

CONCLUSION

Sex cord-stromal tumors with annular tubules is a slow-growing ovarian tumor with a high potential for recurrence and metastasis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Due to the rarity of these tumors, they are often unsuspected and thus incompletely staged before primary surgery; the diagnosis is made by histological examination. The prognosis of these patients is unknown, and they require long-term follow-up.

Does controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with a history of borderline tumor influence recurrence rate?

PURPOSE

To determine the recurrence rate in the women with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation after a history of borderline ovarian tumors (BOT).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 275 patients with BOT undergoing surgery for fertility preservation in our hospital between 2001 and 2017. Cases were divided into an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment group (n = 15) and a non-ART treatment group (n = 260). We compared the recurrence rate, survival rate and pregnancy outcomes between these two groups.

RESULTS

The ART group had a higher recurrence rate (33.33% vs. 10.80%, P = 0.023). Survival analysis indicated that the recurrence time in patients undergoing ART was significantly shorter (P = 0.026). A low pregnancy rate before diagnosis, and high intraoperative blood loss, were associated with postoperative ART treatment (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that ART treatment and bilateral lesions both significantly increased the risk of recurrence (P < 0.05). The pathological type of recurrent tumors was often the same as the initial tumor.

CONCLUSION

The postoperative use of ART in patients with BOT significantly increased the recurrence rate, but does not significantly affect the overall survival rate of patients. Therefore, ART in such patients should be individualized, and close follow-up is necessary after ART.

Progression of Cystadenoma to Mucinous Borderline Ovarian Tumor in Young Females: Case Series and Literature Review

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the progression of benign ovarian lesions to mucinous borderline ovarian tumors (mBOTs); analyze the clinicopathologic features, diagnosis, and management of mBOTs in pediatric and adolescent girls; and provide a review of the literature on mBOTs in this population.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of female adolescents younger than 18 years diagnosed with mBOTs between July 2017 and February 2021.

SETTING

Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut; and Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

PARTICIPANTS

Three female patients diagnosed with mBOTs between ages 12 and 17 years.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical presentation, preoperative characteristics, surgical technique, histology, tumor stage, treatment, progression, outcome, and rate of recurrence.

RESULTS

Three adolescent patients were identified to have mBOTs. All three patients presented with a chief complaint of abdominal pain. One of the 3 patients was premenarchal at presentation. Two of the 3 patients were initially diagnosed with a mucinous cystadenoma and had recurrences of an ovarian cyst in the same ovary within 5 and 17 months, respectively. Pathology of the recurrent cyst was consistent with mBOT. Two of the 3 patients initially underwent cystectomy, and all ultimately had a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Subsequent surveillance over 2 to 4 years found no evidence of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

mBOTs are rare in the pediatric and adolescent population and could arise from benign ovarian tumors.

Oncological and reproductive outcomes after fertility-sparing surgery in patients with seromucinous borderline ovarian tumor: Results of a large retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the oncological and reproductive outcomes in patients with seromucinous borderline ovarian tumors (SMBOT) treated with fertility-sparing surgery (FSS).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with SMBOT who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2019. A centralized histological review was performed and recurrence rates were compared between different surgical procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of whom 65 underwent FSS and 40 were treated with radical surgery (RS). Fourteen patients had recurrent disease after a median follow-up time of 59.6 months (range: 22.1-256.8 months). All but one relapsed with SMBOT. There was no significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups (P = 0.141). Multivariate analysis showed that only bilateral involvement was associated with increased recurrence (P = 0.008). In the subgroup of patients treated with conservative surgery, there was no significant difference in DFS with regard to surgical procedures (ovarian cystectomy vs salpingo-oophorectomy, P = 0.487). Of the 12 patients in the FSS group who developed recurrence, 11 underwent a second round of FSS and all remained alive with no evidence of disease at the end of follow-up. Of 20 patients desiring pregnancy, 16 patients were successful and resulted in 17 term deliveries.

CONCLUSIONS

FSS is feasible for young patients who wish to preserve their fertility. Patients initially treated with ovarian cystectomy may be managed by close surveillance if post-operative imaging are negative. Repeat FSS remains a valuable alternative for young patients with recurrent SMBOT after thorough communication.

Fertility Sparing Surgery and Borderline Ovarian Tumours

Simple Summary

Fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) is now a widely acceptable treatment for the management of Borderline Ovarian Tumours (BOTs) in women of reproductive age. However, many clinicians face the dilemma of balancing the risks of disease recurrence with progression to lethal malignancy whilst preserving fertility, in the absence of clear standardized guidelines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncological outcomes in women who underwent FSS for the management of primary, or recurrent presentation of BOTs, to provide clinicians with further evidence of the safety and feasibility of FSS. Oncological outcomes following a novel method of FSS in the form of laparoscopic ultrasound guided ovarian wedge resection has also been introduced, which has the potential to change the way BOTs are managed in the future in women of reproductive age.

Abstract

To determine the oncological outcomes following fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) for the management of Borderline Ovarian Tumours (BOTs). A retrospective analysis of participants diagnosed with BOTs between January 2004 and December 2020 at the West London Gynaecological Oncology Centre was conducted. A total of 172 women were diagnosed; 52.3% (90/172) underwent FSS and 47.7% (82/172) non-FSS. The overall recurrence rate of disease was 16.9% (29/172), of which 79.3% (23/29) presented as the recurrence of serous or sero-mucinous BOTs and 20.7% (6/29) as low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC). In the FSS group, the recurrence rate of BOTs was 25.6% (23/90) presenting a median 44.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 41.5) months, of which there were no episodes of recurrence presenting as LGSC reported. In the non-FSS group, all recurrences of disease presented as LGSC, with a rate of 7.7% (6/78), following a median of 47.5 months (IQR 47.8). A significant difference between the type of surgery performed (FSS v Non-FSS) and the association with recurrence of BOT was observed (Pearson Chi-Square: p = 0.000; x = 20.613). Twelve women underwent ultrasound-guided ovarian wedge resection (UGOWR) as a novel method of FSS. Recurrence of BOT was not significantly associated with the type of FSS performed (Pearson Chi- Square: x = 3.166, p = 0.379). Non-FSS is associated with negative oncological outcomes compared to FSS, as evidenced by the higher rate of recurrence of LGSC. This may be attributed to the indefinite long-term follow up with ultrasound surveillance all FSS women undergo, enabling earlier detection and treatment of recurrences.

Survival and reproductive outcomes after fertility-sparing surgery performed for borderline epithelial ovarian tumor in Japanese adolescents and young adults: Results of a retrospective nationwide study

OBJECTIVE

Epithelial borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) frequently occurs in young women. Because progression-free survival, overall survival, and reproductive function are important outcomes, BOT is often treated by fertility-sparing surgery (FSS). We conducted a Japan-wide study to understand post-FSS prognosis in relation to clinical characteristics and types of FSS performed.

METHODS

We analyzed clinical and outcome data pertaining to 531 adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients (aged 15-39 years) who underwent FSS for BOT between 2009 and 2013.

RESULTS

Median (range) age was 30 (15-39) years, and median observation time was 70 (2-120) months. The disease was of FIGO stage I in 492 (93%) patients. Histopathologically, tumors were of the mucinous (n = 372, 70%), serous (n = 120, 23%), seromucinous (n = 23, 4%), and other (n = 16, 3%) types. Five-year overall survival was 99.5% among patients with stage I and 100% among those with stage II-IV. Five-year progression-free survival was 96.7% and 69.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis in cases of stage I showed a positive peritoneal cytology to be a significant risk factor for recurrence (HR, 5.199; p = 0.0188). The post-FSS pregnancy rate was relatively low for patients aged ≥30 years (OR, 0.868; 95% CI, 1.16-3.00; p = 0.0090).

CONCLUSION

Post-FFS outcomes in terms of overall and progression-free survival are favorable, especially for AYA patients with stage I BOT. However, the relapse rate is high for patients with FIGO stage II-IV and for those with stage I but a positive peritoneal cytology. A long-term prospective observation is needed before reproductive outcomes can be fully established.

Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Ovarian Cancer

(1) Background: although most patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) undergo radical surgery, patients with early-stage disease, borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) or a non-epithelial tumor could be offered fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) depending on histologic subtypes and prognostic factors. (2) Methods: we conducted a systematic review to assess the safety and fertility outcomes of FSS in the treatment of ovarian cancer. We queried the MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Cochrane (“Cochrane Reviews”) databases for articles published in English or French between 1985 and 15 January 2021. (3) Results: for patients with BOT, FSS should be offered to young women with a desire to conceive, even if peritoneal implants are discovered at the time of initial surgery. Women with mucinous BOT should undergo initial unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, whereas cystectomy is an acceptable option for women with serous BOT. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) can be initiated in patients with stage I BOT if infertility persists after surgery. For patients with EOC, FSS should only be considered after staging for women with stage IA grade 1 (and probably 2, or low-grade in the current classification) serous, mucinous or endometrioid tumors. FSS could also be offered to patients with stage IC grade 1 (or low-grade) disease. For women with serous, mucinous or endometrioid high-grade stage IA or low-grade stage IC1 or IC2 EOC, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and uterine conservation could be offered to allow pregnancy by egg donation. Finally, FSS has a large role to play in patients with non- epithelial ovarian cancer, and particularly women with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors.

Is cystectomy an option as conservative surgery for young patients with borderline ovarian tumor? A multi-institutional retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of cystectomy for borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) on tumor recurrence compared with salpingo-oophorectomy using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

METHODS

A central pathologic review and a search of the medical records from 14 collaborating institutions from 1986 to 2017 identified 4708 women with a malignant ovarian neoplasm. Data for young women with Stage I BOT were extracted. To compare recurrence-free survival between the surgery groups, Cox regression analyses and the IPTW-adjusted Kaplan-Meier method were employed.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 62.0 (1.2-270.4) months, 10 of the 285 patients identified (3.5%) developed recurrence. In multivariate analysis, the practice of cystectomy was not a significant prognostic indicator of recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.276 [0.150-10.864]; P = 0.823). In the IPTW-adjusted cohort, the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 95.8% and 96.0% in patients receiving cystectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, respectively (P = 0.378).

CONCLUSION

If patients are selected appropriately, cystectomy in itself may not increase tumor recurrence in young women with early-stage BOT. A large-scale prospective clinical study is necessary to validate this finding.

Salpingo-oophorectomy versus cystectomy in patients with borderline ovarian tumors: a systemic review and meta-analysis on postoperative recurrence and fertility

BACKGROUND

To compare the postoperative recurrence and fertility in patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) who underwent different surgical procedures: salpingo-oophorectomy versus cystectomy.

METHODS

Potentially relevant literature from inception to Nov. 06, 2020, were retrieved in databases including Cochrane Library, EMBASE (Ovid), and MEDLINE (Pubmed). We applied the keywords "fertility-sparing surgery," or "conservative surgery," or "cystectomy," or "salpingo-oophorectomy," or "oophorectomy," or "adnexectomy," or "borderline ovarian tumor" for literate searching. Systemic reviews and meta-analyses were performed on the postoperative recurrence rates and pregnancy rates between patients receiving the two different surgical methods. Begger's methods, Egger's methods, and funnel plot were used to evaluate the publication bias.

RESULT

Among the sixteen eligible studies, the risk of recurrence was evaluated in all studies, and eight studies assessed the postoperative pregnancy rates in the BOT patients. A total of 1839 cases with borderline ovarian tumors were included, in which 697 patients (37.9%) received unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and 1142 patients (62.1%) underwent unilateral/bilateral cystectomy. Meta-analyses showed that BOT patients with unilateral/bilateral cystectomy had significantly higher recurrence risk (OR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.59-2.57) compared with those receiving unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Pooled analysis of four studies further confirmed the higher risk of recurrence in patients with cystectomy (HR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.11-3.58). In addition, no significant difference in postoperative pregnancy rate was found between patients with the two different surgical procedures (OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.60-1.42).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the unilateral/bilateral cystectomy, the unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy significantly reduces the risk of postoperative recurrence in patients with BOT, and it does not reduce the pregnancy of patients after surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021238177.

Oncologic and reproductive outcomes of borderline ovarian tumors in Indian population

•

In BOT Fertility sparing surgery is a safe procedure in early stage disease and should be performed in a young patient.

•

Recurrences are more common in the cystectomy group as compared to oophorectomy (33% vs 6.2%; p = 0.03).

•

Overall and Recurrence free survival is favourable and recurrences are always salvaged by surgery.

•

Spontaneous conception and live birth rates after fertility sparing surgery in patients with BOT are modest (50%).

Borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) is characterized by atypical epithelial proliferation without stromal invasion and majority are diagnosed at early stages and in women of reproductive age group. A retrospective review of medical records of patients diagnosed with BOT and on regular follow up at All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, during a five-year study period from March 2014 to March 2019 was performed. Surgical treatment was classified as radical, fertility sparing surgery (FSS) or cystectomy. Surgical staging was defined as complete, partial or unstaged. Median age of seventy-five women was 32 years. Follow up period ranged from 22 to 61 months (median 36 m). Radical surgery was done in 34 (45.3%), FSS in 32 (42.6%) and cystectomy in 9 (12.0%) women. Complete surgical staging was performed in 22 (29.3%), partial staging in 23 (30.6%) and 30 (40%) were unstaged. During the follow up period, 98.7% patients were alive and 90.7% were free of recurrence. Median time to recurrence was 35 months. Recurrence rate was 33.3% in cystectomy vs 6.2% in oophorectomy (p = 0.03). All seven recurrences were in unstaged (six) or partially staged patient (one). Six recurrences in ovary were salvaged by surgery and recurrent disease was of borderline histology. Spontaneous conception and live birth rate was 42.1%. FSS is a safe procedure and should be considered in a young patient with early stage disease and desirous of future fertility. Spontaneous conception and live birth rates after fertility sparing surgery in patients with BOT are modest.

Outcomes after Fertility-sparing Surgery for Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

To compare reproductive and oncologic outcomes of patients diagnosed with early-stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma, borderline ovarian tumors, or nonepithelial ovarian carcinoma according to receipt of fertility-sparing surgery or conventional surgery.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed was searched from January 1, 1995, to May 29, 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if they (1) enrolled women of childbearing age diagnosed with ovarian cancer between the ages of 18 years and 50 years, (2) reported on oncologic and/or reproductive outcomes after fertility-sparing surgery for ovarian cancer, and (3) included at least 20 patients.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The initial search identified 995 studies. After duplicates were removed, we abstracted 980 unique citations. Of those screened, 167 publications were identified as potentially relevant, and evaluated for inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final review included 44 studies in epithelial ovarian cancer, 42 in borderline ovarian tumors, and 31 in nonepithelial ovarian carcinoma. The narrative synthesis demonstrated that overall survival does not seem to be compromised in patients undergoing fertility-sparing surgery compared with those undergoing conventional surgery, although long-term data are limited. Areas of controversy include safety of fertility-sparing surgery in the setting of high-risk factors (stage IC, grade 3, and clear cell histology), as well as type of surgery (salpingo-oophorectomy vs cystectomy). It seems that although there may be some fertility compromise after surgery, pregnancy and live-birth rates are encouraging.

CONCLUSION

Fertility-sparing surgery is safe and feasible in women with early-stage low-risk ovarian cancer. Pregnancy outcomes for these patients also seem to be similar to those of the general population.

Staging procedures fail to benefit women with borderline ovarian tumours who want to preserve fertility: a retrospective analysis of 448 cases

Background

To evaluate the effect of clinicopathologic factors on the prognosis and fertility outcomes of BOT patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of BOT patients who underwent surgical procedures in West China Second University Hospital from 2008 to 2015. The DFS outcomes, potential prognostic factors and fertility outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Four hundred forty-eight patients were included; 52 recurrences were observed. Ninety-two patients undergoing FSS achieved pregnancy. No significant differences in fertility outcomes were found between the staging and unstaged surgery groups. Staging surgery was not an independent prognostic factor for DFS. Laparoscopy resulted in better prognosis than laparotomy in patients with stage I tumours and a desire for fertility preservation.

Conclusion

Patients with BOT fail to benefit from surgical staging. Laparoscopy is recommended for patients with stage I disease who desire to preserve fertility. Physicians should pay more attention to risk of recurrence in patients who want to preserve fertility.

Unilateral cystectomy and serous histology are associated with relapse in borderline ovarian tumor patients with fertility-sparing surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Surgical procedures, histological subtypes, and surgical approaches are involved in the recurrence of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs), but whether those three factors affect relapse remains controversial. This study aimed to explore the effects of surgical procedures, histological subtypes, and surgical approaches on the relapse and pregnancy rates of BOT after fertility-preserving surgery (FPS) according to the patients' characteristics.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library was conducted from their inception to November 2018. Studies that investigated the impact of surgical procedures, histological subtypes, and surgical approaches on the relapse and pregnancy rates in patients with BOT after FPS were eligible. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies involving a total of 2921 patients with BOT after FPS were included. The pooled ORs indicated that the risk of relapse was significantly increased in patients who underwent unilateral cystectomy or with serous BOT. There was no significant difference between laparoscopy and laparotomy on the risk of relapse. Surgical procedures, histological subtypes, and surgical approaches did not influence pregnancy rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent unilateral cystectomy or with serous BOT presented an excess risk of relapse after FPS, but the surgical approach did not affect the risk of relapse. The pregnancy rate is not affected by surgical procedures, histological subtypes, and surgical approaches.

[Borderline Ovarian Tumours: CNGOF Guidelines for Clinical Practice - Therapeutic Management of Early Stages]

OBJECTIVES

To provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning early stage borderline ovarian tumors (BOT).

METHODS

Bibliographical search in French and English languages by consultation of Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and international databases.

RESULTS

Considering management of early stage BOT, if surgery is possible without a risk of tumor rupture, the laparoscopic approach is recommended compared to laparotomy (Grade C). In BOT, it is recommended to take all the measures to avoid tumor rupture, including the peroperative decision of laparoconversion (Grade C). In BOT, extraction of the surgical specimen using an endoscopic bag is recommended (Grade C). In case of early stage, uni or bilateral BOT, suspected in preoperative imaging in a postmenopausal patient, bilateral adnexectomy is recommended (Grade B). In cases of bilateral BOT and desire of fertility preservation, a bilateral cystectomy is recommended (Grade B). In case of mucinous BOT and desire of fertility preservation, it is recommended to perform a unilateral adnexectomy (Grade C). In case of endometrioid BOT and desire of fertility preservation, it is not possible to establish a recommendation of treatment choice between cystectomy and unilateral adnexectomy. In case of mucinous BOT at definitive histological analysis in a woman of childbearing age who had an initial cystectomy, surgical revision for unilateral adnexectomy is recommended (Grade C). In the case of serous BOT with definitive histological analysis in a woman of childbearing age who has had an initial cystectomy, it is not recommended to repeat surgery for adnexectomy in the absence of residual suspicious lesion during initial surgery and/or on postoperative imaging (referent ultrasound or pelvic MRI) (Grade C). An omentectomy is recommended for complete initial surgical staging when BOT is diagnosed on extemporaneous analysis or suspected on preoperative radiological elements (Grade B). There is no data in the literature to recommend the type of omentectomy to be performed. If restaging surgery is decided for a presumed early stage BOT, an omentectomy is recommended (Grade B). Multiple peritoneal biopsies are recommended for complete initial surgical staging when BOT is diagnosed on extemporaneous or suspected on preoperative radiological elements (Grade C). In case of restaging surgery for a presumed early stage BOT, exploration of the abdominal cavity should be complete and peritoneal biopsies should be performed on suspicious areas or systematically (Grade C). A primary peritoneal cytology is recommended in order to achieve complete initial surgical staging when BOT is suspected on preoperative radiological elements (Grade C). In case of restaging surgery for presumed early stage BOT, a first peritoneal cytology is recommended (Grade C). For early serous or mucinous BOT, it is not recommended to perform a systematic hysterectomy (Grade C). For early stage endometrioid BOT, and in the absence of a desire to maintain fertility, hysterectomy is recommended for initial surgery or if restaging surgery is indicated (Grade C). For endometrioid-type early stage BOT, if there is a desire for fertility preservation, the uterus may be retained subject to good evaluation of the endometrium by imaging and endometrial sampling (Grade C). In case of surgery (initial or restaging if indicated) for early stage BOT, it is recommended to evaluate the macroscopic appearance of the appendix (Grade B). In case of surgery (initial or restaging if indicated) for early stage BOT, appendectomy is recommended only in case of macroscopically pathological appearance of the appendix (Grade C). Pelvic and lumbar aortic lymphadenectomy is not recommended for initial surgery or restaging surgery for early stage BOT regardless of histologic type (Grade C). In case of BOT diagnosed on definitive histology, the indication of restaging surgery should be discussed in Multidisciplinary Collaborative Meeting. For presumed early stage BOT, it is recommended to use the laparoscopic approach to perform restaging surgery (Grade C). Restaging surgery is recommended for serous BOT with micropapillary appearance and unsatisfactory abdominal cavity inspection during initial surgery (Grade C). Restaging surgery is recommended in case of mucinous BOT if only a cystectomy has been performed or the appendix has not been visualized, then a unilateral adnexectomy will be performed (Grade C). If a restaging surgery is decided in the management of a presumed early stage BOT, the actions to be carried out are as follows: a peritoneal cytology (Grade C), an omentectomy (there is no data in the literature recommending the type of omentectomy to be performed) (Grade B), a complete exploration of the abdominal cavity with peritoneal biopsies on suspect areas or systematically (Grade C), visualization of the appendix± the appendectomy in case of pathological macroscopic appearance (Grade C), unilateral adnexectomy in case of mucinous TFO (Grade C).

Prognostic Factors for Recurrence After Fertility-Preserving Surgery in Patients With Borderline Ovarian Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to find the unfavorable prognostic factors for recurrence after fertility-preserving surgery (FPS) in patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs).

METHODS

To perform a meta-analysis to compare the recurrence rates of BOT patients after FPS according to different prognostic factors, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane for observational studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

We analyzed 32 studies that included 2691 BOT patients who underwent FPS, 383 patients of whom had a relapse in the follow-up. In meta-analysis, risks associated with recurrence in patients with unilateral cystectomy (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.86-3.33) or serous borderline ovarian tumors (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.97-5.02) were significantly increased, and there was no significantly increased OR for patients with laparoscopy compared with those with laparotomy (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.57-1.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral cystectomy (19.4%) and serous BOTs (19.2%) are significantly associated with higher recurrence rates, and no negative impact of laparoscopy on recurrence can be demonstrated when compared with laparotomy in the meta-analysis.

Borderline Ovarian Tumor in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population: A Case Series and Literature Review

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnosis, management, and outcome for children and adolescents with borderline ovarian tumor (BOT), and to provide a review of the literature on BOT in children and adolescents.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of female adolescents younger than age 21 years diagnosed with BOT between January 2001 and May 2016.

SETTING

Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen patients (ages 12 to 18 years) diagnosed with BOT.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical presentation, preoperative characteristics, surgical technique, cancer stage, histology, treatment, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 15.5 years, with most postmenarchal. Abdominal mass/pain were the most common presenting symptoms. Median tumor size was 16.6 cm (range, 4-32 cm). Preoperative cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) was elevated in 54% (7/13) of cases. All patients had fertility-preserving surgery, either cystectomy (CY) or unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO): 5 via laparoscopy (LSC) and 9 via laparotomy. Most were stage I with 5 serous and 9 mucinous BOT histology. No one received adjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients had recurrence. One had ipsilateral recurrence 2 months after LSC CY for FIGO stage IC1 mucinous BOT. The second had contralateral recurrence 15 months after laparotomy, right USO for FIGO stage IIIC serous BOT treated with LSC CY, then a second recurrence treated with USO after oocyte cryopreservation for fertility preservation. All patients were alive at last follow-up, 1 with disease.

CONCLUSIONS

BOT in children and adolescents can be treated conservatively with fertility-preserving techniques and surveillance with good outcome. The role of adjuvant therapy is not known.

Fertility preservation in women with borderline ovarian tumors - how does it impact disease outcome? A cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Borderline ovarian tumors are typically indolent neoplasms. Since many are diagnosed in younger women, fertility conservation is an important consideration and has been advocated based on retrospective data. The objective of this study was to identify features impacting on recurrence and survival in a series of borderline ovarian tumors, and to assess the safety of a fertility-sparing approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A historical cohort study of consecutive borderline ovarian tumors cases treated at a single institution over 30 years (1981-2011). Data on surgical approach (fertility-sparing or otherwise), disease stage, CA125 levels, histological features, adjuvant treatment and follow-up data were collected. Recurrence and survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and associations with the variables of interest were evaluated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

213 patients were included. Of 132 women age 40 years and below at diagnosis, 112 (85%) had a fertility-sparing procedure and 60 (46%) had conservation of an involved ovary. Fifty patients (24%) developed recurrences; fertility preservation (hazard ratio = 2.57; 95% confidence interval 1.1-6; p = 0.029) and advanced stage (hazard ratio = 4.15; 95% confidence interval 2.3-7.6; p < 0.001) were independently associated with recurrence on multivariate analysis. Eleven (5%) patients died of their disease. Fertility preservation was not associated with compromised survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Borderline ovarian tumors carry a good prognosis overall. Fertility preservation is associated with a higher risk of disease relapse; however, as most relapses are localized and may be salvaged with surgical treatment, overall survival is not compromised.

Ovarian Preservation from Tumors and Torsions in Girls: Prospective Diagnostic Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To develop a new decision tree system (DTS) for the management of adnexal masses in prepubertal and adolescent girls, aimed to improve the distinction between benign and malignant masses, help preserve affected ovaries during surgery, and reduce the rate of surgical management of uncomplicated functional ovarian cysts.

DESIGN

A prospective diagnostic study using clinical and ultrasound data collected for all patients younger than 19 years of age with adnexal masses managed between 2006 and 2015.

SETTING

Mother and Child Health Institute of Serbia 'Dr Vukan Čupić' (Belgrade, Serbia).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N = 1499) with adnexal masses, of whom 318 were surgically treated.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ultrasonographic characteristics (Ueland's Morphology Index [MI] and the ovarian crescent sign [OCS]). Patients were managed expectantly or surgically, in line with 3 rules of the DTS. Rule 1: asymptomatic patients having a mass with MI of 4 or less and OCS present, were managed expectantly. Rule 2 (emergency): malignancy was suspected if the MI was 7 or more and no edema of the OCS was present. Rule 3 (nonemergency): malignancy was suspected if the OCS was absent and MI was 5 or more. The diagnostic accuracy was assessed using sensitivity and specificity (P < .05).

RESULTS

No malignancy was found in the group of 1236 patients selected according to the DTS rule 1. Torsion was confirmed in 36% of surgically treated masses (n = 115). The OCS was present in 96% of benign masses in the non-emergency group (n = 149) and in three with microscopic malignancy. In predicting malignancy, the DTS (rules 2 and 3) showed a sensitivity of 93 (95% confidence interval [C.I.]: 82-98); and a specificity of 97 (C.I.: 95-99). Ovarian tissue was preserved from benign (n = 254, 93%) and malignant tumors (n = 3, 7%). Only five (2%) uncomplicated ovarian cysts were surgically treated.

CONCLUSION

The DTS with 3 rules is a very accurate diagnostic tool in the differentiation between benign and malignant ovarian masses. The DTS rule 1 reduces the number of surgical procedures on functional cysts, rules 2 and 3 are very useful in choosing the optimal treatment of adnexal masses, whether or not they are twisted.

Oncologic and obstetric outcomes of conservative surgery for borderline ovarian tumors in women of reproductive age

Objective

To compare the oncologic and obstetric outcomes in reproductive-age females with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) treated with cyst enucleation (CE) or unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO).

Methods

The medical records of patients with BOTs treated between 1998 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The recurrence rates in the USO and CE groups were compared, and the postoperative obstetric outcomes were assessed via telephone survey.

Results

Eighty-nine patients with BOTs underwent USO, and 19 underwent CE. Of these, six patients had recurrent BOTs. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the USO group (3/89, 3.4%) than in the CE group (3/19, 15.8%) (P=0.032). All patients with recurrent disease were successfully treated with further surgery. Of the 76 patients interviewed by telephone, 71 (93.4%) resumed regular menstruation after surgery. Twenty-six of the 32 patients (81.3%) who attempted to conceive had successful pregnancies. USO (19/24, 79.2%), like CE (7/8, 87.5%), resulted in favorable pregnancy rates for patients with BOTs.

Conclusion

USO is a suitable fertility-preserving surgery for women with BOTs. CE is also an acceptable option for select patients.

The feasibility of fertility-sparing surgery in treating advanced-stage borderline ovarian tumors: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of fertility-sparing surgery in treating advanced-stage borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu (Chinese), and Wanfang (Chinese) were searched using the keywords "advanced-stage borderline ovarian tumors", "fertility-sparing surgery", "conservative surgery", and "borderline ovarian tumor" to collect the clinical controlled trails (CCTs) regarding fertility-sparing surgery for the treatment of advanced-stage BOT. The references of those CCTs were also searched manually. Data extraction and quality assessment were done using Review manager Version 5.1 and R software Version 2.11.1.

RESULTS

Four studies involving 74 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: (1) compared with radical surgery, the recurrence of the fertility-sparing surgery during the follow time is higher with significant difference [odds ratio (OR)=3.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.20,12.44), p=0.02]; (2) the difference of survival rate between the two groups was not significant [5-year survival: OR=0.85, 95%CI (0.03, 23.82), p=0.92; 7-year survival: OR=0.80, 95%CI (0.08, 8.41), p=0.85]; and (3) concerning fertility results in fertility-sparing surgery, 18 patients tried to become pregnant, 15 pregnancies were achieved in the 11 patients, 11 full-term deliveries.

CONCLUSION

The rate of ovarian recurrence in patients who underwent conservative treatment was higher than in patients with radical treatment, but it did not affect patient survival; fertility-sparing surgery could be induced to preserve the fertility potential of young patients.

Borderline tumors of the ovary: A clinicopathological study

Objective:

To report experience with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) in a developing country like Pakistan with limited resources and weak database of health system.

Methods:

Patients with BOTs managed at Shaukat Khanum Cancer hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from 2004 to 2014 were included and reviewed retrospectively. Data was recorded on histopathological types, age, CA-125, stage of disease, treatment modalities and outcomes.

Results:

Eighty-six patients with BOT were included with a median age of 35 years. Forty-two (49%) patients had serous BOTs and 43 (50%) had mucinous BOTs, while one (1%) had mixed type. Using FIGO staging, 80 patients had stage I; two patients had IIA, IIB and stage III each. Median follow-up time was 31.5 months. All patients had primary surgery. Seventy (81%) patients underwent complete surgical resection of tumor. Forty-three (50%) patients had fertility preserving surgery. Seventy-three (85%) patients remained in remission. Recurrent disease was observed in 13 (15%) patients. Median time to recurrence was 22 months. On further analysis, age above forty years, late stage at diagnosis and incomplete surgery were significantly associated with invasive recurrence.

Conclusion:

Despite a low malignant potential, relapses may occur in patients above forty years of age, incomplete surgery and staging information and advanced stage at presentation. Fertility sparing surgery should be considered in young patients. Complete excision of tumor and prolonged follow-up are advised because recurrence and transformation to invasive carcinoma may occur.

Unusual malignant neoplasms of ovary in children: two cases report

Sex cord tumors with annular tubules are known to originate from the sex cord of embryonic gonads that synthesize Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, granulosa cells, and theca cells of the ovarian stroma, while ovarian small cell carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type is a type of neuroendocrine tumor. Both these tumors are uncommon, potentially malignant neoplasms in children. We report the case of a sex cord tumor with annular tubules in an 11-year-old girl and a case of small cell carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type in a 10-year-old girl. We also discuss the prognosis and management of these tumors.

Fertility Risk Assessment and Preservation in Male and Female Prepubertal and Adolescent Cancer Patients

Cancer represents the second cause of death in prepubertal children and adolescents, although it is currently associated with an overall survival rate of 80%–85%. The annual incidence rate is 186.6 per 1 million children and adolescents aged up to 19 years. Both disease and treatment options are associated with life-altering, long-term effects that require monitoring. Infertility is a common issue, and as such, fertility preservation represents an essential part in the management of young patients with cancer who are at risk of premature gonadal failure. This review deals with the up-to-date available data on fertility risk assessment and preservation strategies that should be addressed prior to antineoplastic therapy in this vulnerable subgroup of cancer patients.

Clinical management of incidental findings on pelvic adnexal masses

Due to widespread use of pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound in routine gynecological evaluation, the incidental finding of adnexal masses has led to discussions about management in asymptomatic patients regarding the risk of ovarian cancer. Transvaginal ultrasonography remains the modality of choice in the evaluation of suspicious characteristics. The combined analysis of ultrasound morphological parameters with Doppler study, serum carcinoma antigen 125 and investigation of a symptom index may improve diagnosis. Surgical approach should be considered whenever there are suspicious images, rapid growth of cysts, changes in the appearance compared to the initial evaluation or when the patient has symptoms. Future studies on genetic and molecular mechanisms may help explain the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer, improving early diagnosis and treatment.

Management of Large Ovarian Neoplasms in Pediatric and Adolescent Females

The overwhelming majority of ovarian cysts in pediatric and adolescent girls are physiologic; however, large simple and complex ovarian lesions often require surgical intervention due to the increased risk of neoplasia. In this review article, we discuss the preoperative evaluation and intraoperative management of large ovarian neoplasms. We review the current literature regarding long term ovarian function and fertility, rates of recurrence and residual disease, and novel surgical approaches. Managing large ovarian neoplasms in the pediatric and adolescent population requires careful preoperative and intraoperative care to optimally resect neoplasia while maximizing fertility and minimizing pain.

Safety of ovarian conservation and fertility preservation in advanced borderline ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of a fertility-sparing approach on disease recurrence in women with advanced borderline ovarian tumors.

DESIGN

Historic cohort study.

SETTING

A tertiary referral center for gynecological oncology patients and a university teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Consecutive patients with advanced borderline ovarian tumors defined as stage IC and above, treated at a single institution during a span of 30 years.

INTERVENTION(S)

Data on surgical approach (e.g., fertility sparing, ovarian conserving) as well as histopathology, disease stage, CA-125 level, and use of chemotherapy were collected from the medical records, and their impact on disease recurrence was assessed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Recurrence-free interval. Its association with the type of surgery and with other clinical and pathological features was assessed using the Kaplan Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods.

RESULT(S)

Fifty-nine patients with advanced disease were identified. Median follow-up was 55.3 months. Mean age at diagnosis was 35 years. Most of the tumors (51, 84.4%) had serous histology. Twenty-seven patients (45.8%) developed recurrences and 6 (10%) died of their disease. Mean time to recurrence was 30.6 months. Of 44 women ≤40 years, 33 (75%) had a fertility-sparing procedure. Fertility preservation was not associated with disease recurrence. A total of 34 pregnancies and 26 live births were documented among 21 patients attempting conception.

CONCLUSION(S)

Borderline ovarian tumors carry a favorable prognosis, even at an advanced stage. Fertility preservation was not found to be associated with an increased risk of relapse in young patients with advanced disease, and may be reasonably considered.

Conservative surgery in ovarian borderline tumours: a meta-analysis with emphasis on recurrence risk

BACKGROUND

Recent reports have stirred the debate regarding the optimal conservative treatment for both serous and mucinous borderline ovarian tumour (BOT). The aim of this study is to examine the optimal oncological approach of conservative surgery in unilateral BOT (cystectomy (C) versus unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (USO)) and in bilateral BOT (bilateral C (BC) versus USO+contralateral C (CC)), as well as fertility outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed database and Cochrane Library were searched using the search terms (((Borderline) OR (low malignant potential)) AND (ovarian)) AND ((tumour) OR (cancer)) AND (((fertility sparing) OR (conservative)) AND surgery).

RESULTS

We analysed 39 studies that included 5105 women (2624 patients with serous-, 2120 patients with mucinous- and the remaining with other types of BOT), 2752 of which underwent conservative surgery (817 underwent C, 89 BC, 1686 USO and 118 USO+CC). Eight studies included only stage I patients, in 14 studies more than 90% of patients were stage I and five studies included only late-stage patients. Seven studies included only patients with serous borderline ovarian tumour (sBOT) and two only mucinous borderline ovarian tumour (mBOT). A total of 296 patients with non-invasive-, 76 patients with invasive- and 50 patients with unspecified implants were pooled. Of the patients undergoing C, BC, USO and USO+CC the pooled recurrence estimates were respectively 25.3%, 25.6%, 12.5% and 26.1%. In meta-analysis, USO was significantly favored over C with an OR for recurrence reduction=2200, 95% CI=0.793-2.841 and p<0.0001. The pooled recurrence estimate as invasive ovarian cancer was 15.4% and the pooled 95% CI was 0.120-0.196. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 55.7% with 45.4% for USO and 40.3.0% for C.

CONCLUSION

Cystectomy in unilateral serous BOT is significantly associated with a higher recurrence rate, albeit no impact on survival can be demonstrated. Whether this is related to the duration of follow-up, remains to be proven. Nonetheless, recent data seem to suggest that USO is advisable in the case of mucinous BOT. On the contrary, a more conservative approach (BC) should be definitively favored in bilateral BOT, which is almost always serous, because no significant difference is seen in terms of recurrence rate when compared to USO+CC.

Fertility sparing treatment in borderline ovarian tumours

Borderline ovarian tumours are low malignant potential tumours. They represent 10-15% of all epithelial ovarian malignancies. Patients with this type of tumour are younger at the time of diagnosis than patients with invasive ovarian cancer. Most of them are diagnosed in the early stages and have an excellent prognosis. It has been quite clearly established that the majority of borderline ovarian tumours should be managed with surgery alone. Because a high proportion of women with this malignancy are young and the prognosis is excellent, the preservation of fertility is an important issue in the management of these tumours. In this systemic review of the literature, we have evaluated in-depth oncological safety and reproductive outcomes in women with borderline ovarian tumours treated with fertility-sparing surgery, reviewing the indications, benefits, and disadvantages of each type of conservative surgery, as well as new alternative options to surgery to preserve fertility.

Is target oriented surgery sufficient with borderline ovarian tumors? - Role of accompanying pathologies

BACKGROUND

There are limited data in the literature related to concomitant genital or extra-genital organ pathologies in patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs). The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with 183 patients to draw attention to the accompanying organ pathologies with BOTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred eighty-three patients with BOTs, diagnosed and/or treated in our center between January of 2000 and March of 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Data related to age, tumor histology, lesion side, disease stage, accompanying incidental ipsilateral and/or contralateral ovarian pathologies, treatment approaches, and follow-up periods were investigated. Incidental gynecologic and non-gynecologic concomitant organ pathologies were also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis was 40.6 years (range: 17-78). Ninety- five patients (51%) were ≤40 years. A hundred and forty-seven patients (80%) were at stage IA of the disease. The most common type of BOT was serous in histology. Non-invasive tumor implants were diagnosed in 4% and uterine involvement was found 2% among patients who underwent hysterectomies. There were 12 patients with positive peritoneal washings. Only 17 and 84 patients respectively had concomitant ipsilateral and concomitant contralateral incidental ovarian pathologies. The most common type of uterine, appendicular and omental pathologies were chronic cervicitis, lymphoid hyperplasia and chronic inflammatory reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings most of accompanying pathologies for BOT are benign in nature. Nevertheless, there were additional malignant diseases necessitating further therapy. We emphasize the importance of the evaluation of all abdominal organs during surgery.

[Unilateral borderline ovarian tumor and unilateral adenexectomy?]

To perform an adnexectomy in case of unilateral borderline tumor must consider the risk of recurrence, the preservation of fertility, and to integrate a global comprehensive management of a couple. Adnexectomy can be considering as a legitimate option when the woman desire a pregnancy. The risk of recurrence is low and the global survey high. Identification of woman with a high risk of recurrence is necessary. Adnexectomy can be considering as a legitimate option to preserve fertility in case of unilateral tumor. However, ovarian reserve data are missing after the surgery. Adnexectomy can be considering for the management of infertile woman with unilateral borderline tumor. IVF can be performed in the absence of any poor prognosis factor. Management with ovarian cryopreservation and In vitro Maturation remain unclear.

Role of minimally invasive surgery in complex adnexal tumours and ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in women. Adnexal masses are frequently diagnosed during reproductive age and often require surgical removal. The risk of malignancy when dealing with a complex adnexal mass should be defined prior to surgery and several scoring systems may be useful for this purpose. Laparoscopic management of ovarian tumours allows a minimally invasive approach with respect to several oncological assumptions. In the last decade concerns have been raised regarding the risk of cyst rupture and tumour spillage as a consequence of the laparoscopic technique itself both in early and advanced stages of ovarian cancer. Although limited data have been reported in the literature on the use of minimally invasive techniques in ovarian cancer, the clear benefits of this approach must be balanced with the potential hazards in different clinical situations. Laparoscopic staging in borderline tumours and presumed early-stage ovarian cancer performed by a laparoscopic oncologist seems to be safe and effective when compared to laparotomy. The precise role of laparoscopy in patients with more advanced cancer is still to be defined, and the risk of suboptimal surgery should never outweigh the potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Thus, a tailored prediction of optimal laparoscopic debulking is mandatory in these patients.

Retrospective evaluation of borderline ovarian tumors: single center experience of 183 cases

PURPOSE

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) constitute about a quarter of epithelial ovarian malignancies and require different treatment approaches. The present study aims to document the experience of a single center on the treatment outcome of women who had conservative or comprehensive surgery for BOTs.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-three patients with BOTs, diagnosed and/or treated in our center between January of 2000 and March of 2013, were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis was 40.6 years old (range 17-78). Ninety-five patients (51 %) were ≤40 years. Comprehensive surgical staging and fertility sparing surgery were performed in 49 % (n = 91) and 48 % of patients (n = 89) respectively. A hundred and forty-seven patients had stage IA disease (80 %). The most common type of BOT was serous in histology with 18 % bilateralism. CA-125 and CA-199 levels were increased in 29 (19 %) and 15 (10 %) patients with stage IA disease. Non-invasive tumor implants were diagnosed in 9 patients (4 %) and uterine involvement was 2 % among BOT patients that underwent hysterectomies. The mean post-operative follow-up period was 20.4 months (range 6-78 months). Disease recurrence was seen in 5 patients indicating overall recurrence rate of 2.7 %.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we evaluated a large data pool of 183 patients diagnosed with borderline epithelial ovarian tumors. BOTs have a relatively better prognosis than invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. Surgery with proper staging is the cornerstone of treatment. Patients with BOTs at the early stage can undergo fertility sparing surgery with close follow-up.

[Presumed ovarian benign tumors and fertility]

We reviewed the studies about fertility-sparing in young patient presenting a benign ovarian tumor. It appears that more than the histologic nature of the ovarian cysts, it is the surgical treatment of the cyst which may decrease fertility. Some good practice of surgical procedures must be kept in mind when one manages a benign ovarian tumor in a young patient wishing to preserve her fertility: surgery should be avoided as much as possible; kystectomy is better than oophorectomy; no radical surgery should be done without pathological certitudes; electrocoagulation must be avoided on the cyst walls. In some situations, fertility is specially endangered: bilateral ovarian cysts, recurrence or strong probability of recurrence (endometriomas), poor ovarian reserve (previous chemo- or radiotherapy, age>35, premature ovarian failure). In these situations, a pre-operative assessment of the ovarian reserve could be useful. Beside the surgical 'good procedures', gamete cryopreservation procedures could be used. Cryopreservation of mature oocytes (after ovarian hyperstimulation) or in vitro mature oocytes (after antral follicle retrieval) can be proposed. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is another option. Oocyte (or embryos) cryopreservation can be proposed before or after the surgery. The global management of benign ovarian tumors in young patients should be decided between surgeons and specialists in reproductive biology.

[Methods and conditions of fertility preservation in early-stage ovarian tumors]

The aim of this study is to review the literature of fertility-sparing techniques and their safety in early-stage malignant ovarian tumors, especially in epithelial ovarian cancer. Fertility preservation is widely accepted in early-stage borderline, germ cell and sex cord-stromal tumors. Based on data from retrospective studies, fertility-sparing surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer can be recommended in stage IA, grade 1-2 and favorable hystologic type ovarian cancer. Above stage IA, or in grade 3, or in clear-cell tumors decision making process about fertility-sparing surgery should be individual. Correct surgical staging is mandatory and oncologic safety should be of primary importance. In the group of carefully selected patients oncological outcomes are identical to those of radical surgery. Spontaneous pregnancy rates vary, but they are generally high. Adequate counseling with patients, detailed documentation and careful follow-up is of outstanding importance. In order to improve the quality of fertility preservation techniques, establishment of treatment centers is recommended.

Fertility and borderline ovarian tumor: a systematic review of conservative management, risk of recurrence and alternative options

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the fertility outcome after borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) management and the results of conservative management, risk of recurrence and alternative options.

METHODS

The search strategy was based on relevant terms concerning BOT using Medline and the Central Cochrane Library. Both early and advanced stages of serous and mucinous BOT were included, but not rare entities such as endometrioid, Brenner or clear-cell BOT because of their low incidence. We considered all articles-case reports, original studies, meta-analyses and reviews-in English and French.

RESULTS

Overall, 230 articles were screened of which 120 were retained for review. Most pregnancies were spontaneous but some data were obtained from studies analyzing the contribution of assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, not all studies differentiated spontaneous pregnancy from those obtained after fertility treatment including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination and IVF. Conservative management of early stage BOT resulted in a pooled estimate for spontaneous pregnancy rate of 54% with a low risk of lethal recurrence (pooled estimate: 0.5%). In patients with advanced stage BOT, the spontaneous pregnancy rates was lower (34% in the single series reporting pregnancy rate in this context) and the risk of lethal recurrence increased (pooled estimate: 2%).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review underlines that fertility subsequent to treatment of BOT depends mainly on histology and initial staging to distinguish early from advanced stages. In patients with advanced stage BOT, several alternative options to conservative management are available to allow patients to conceive without compromising their prognosis.

Survey of the management of borderline ovarian tumors in the United Kingdom

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) represent approximately 10% of ovarian neoplasms and are a heterogeneous group of tumors with variable biological behaviour. The majority present with disease confined to the ovary and have an excellent prognosis after surgical removal. A small proportion subsequently has recurrent disease or progression to invasive cancer. Tumor recurrence can occur up to 20 years after surgical resection. There are no robust clinical, histological or molecular markers that distinguish high risk cases and no satisfactory treatment for patients with progressive disease. This results in great variability in management in different centres. We conducted a national survey on the management of borderline ovarian tumors in cancer centres representing different regions in the United Kingdom. In this article we review the literature for the current concepts in diagnosis, treatment and follow up of BOTs and we report the results of the survey of current practice in the United Kingdom. On that basis we provide recommendations for the management of patients with BOTs.

Management of a suspicious adnexal mass: a clinical practice guideline

QUESTIONS

What is the optimal strategy for preoperative identification of the adnexal mass suspicious for ovarian cancer? What is the most appropriate surgical procedure for a woman who presents with an adnexal mass suspicious for malignancy?

PERSPECTIVES

In Canada in 2010, 2600 new cases of ovarian cancer were estimated to have been diagnosed, and of those patients, 1750 were estimated to have died, making ovarian cancer the 7th most prevalent form of cancer and the 5th leading cause of cancer death in Canadian women. Women with ovarian cancer typically have subtle, nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel frequency, and urinary or pelvic symptoms, making early detection difficult. Thus, most ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the cancer has spread outside the pelvis. Because of late diagnosis, the 5-year relative survival ratio for ovarian cancer in Canada is only 40%. Unfortunately, because of the low positive predictive value of potential screening tests (cancer antigen 125 and ultrasonography), there is currently no screening strategy for ovarian cancer. The purpose of this document is to identify evidence that would inform optimal recommended protocols for the identification and surgical management of adnexal masses suspicious for malignancy.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes of interest for the identification question included sensitivity and specificity. Outcomes of interest for the surgical question included optimal surgery, overall survival, progression-free or disease-free survival, reduction in the number of surgeries, morbidity, adverse events, and quality of life.

METHODOLOGY

After a systematic review, a practice guideline containing clinical recommendations relevant to patients in Ontario was drafted. The practice guideline was reviewed and approved by the Gynecology Disease Site Group and the Report Approval Panel of the Program in Evidence-based Care. External review by Ontario practitioners was obtained through a survey, the results of which were incorporated into the practice guideline.

PRACTICE GUIDELINE

These recommendations apply to adult women presenting with a suspicious adnexal mass, either symptomatic or asymptomatic. IDENTIFICATION OF AN ADNEXAL MASS SUSPICIOUS FOR OVARIAN CANCER: Sonography (particularly 3-dimensional sonography), magnetic resonance imaging (mri), and computed tomography (ct) imaging are each recommended for differentiating malignant from benign ovarian masses. However, the working group offers the following further recommendations, based on their expert consensus opinion and a consideration of availability, access, and harm: Where technically feasible, transvaginal sonography should be the modality of first choice in patients with a suspicious isolated ovarian mass.To help clarify malignant potential in patients in whom ultrasonography may be unreliable, mri is the most appropriate test.In cases in which extra-ovarian disease is suspected or needs to be ruled out, ct is the most useful technique.Evaluation of an adnexal mass by Doppler technology alone is not recommended. Doppler technology should be combined with a morphology assessment.Ultrasonography-based morphology scoring systems can be used to differentiate benign from malignant adnexal masses. These scoring systems are based on specific ultrasound parameters, each with several scores base on determined features. All evaluated scoring systems were found to have an acceptable level of sensitivity and specificity; the choice of scoring system may therefore be made based on clinician preference.As a standalone modality, serum cancer antigen 125 is not recommended for distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal masses.Frozen sections for the intraoperative diagnosis of a suspicious adnexal mass is recommended in settings in which availability and patient preference allow. SURGICAL PROCEDURES FOR AN ADNEXAL MASS SUSPICIOUS FOR MALIGNANCY: To improve survival, comprehensive surgical staging with lymphadenectomy is recommended for the surgical management of patients with early-stage ovarian cancer. Laparoscopy is a reasonable alternative to laparotomy, provided that appropriate surgery and staging can be done. The choice between laparoscopy and laparotomy should be based on patient and clinician preference. Discussion with a gynecologic oncologist is recommended. Fertility-preserving surgery is an acceptable alternative to more extensive surgery in patients with low-malignant-potential tumours and those with well-differentiated surgical stage i ovarian cancer. Discussion with a gynecologic oncologist is recommended.

The sonographic prediction of invasive carcinoma in unilocular-solid ovarian cysts in premenopausal patients: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Unilocular-solid ovarian cysts are a rare but challenging pathology in young women, with a desire to spare their fertility. In these cases, the risks of borderline and invasive disease are around 10 and 20%, respectively. No ultrasound rule has yet demonstrated the ability to discriminate with high accuracy, a borderline tumor from a benign tumor or 'invasive tumor'. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive performance of different ultrasound parameters in differentiating benign and borderline tumors versus invasive malignant tumors in premenopausal patients with unilocular-solid ovarian masses.

METHODS

Women aged ≤ 50 years with unilocular-solid adnexal masses with a maximum diameter ≤ 10 cm, undergoing surgery in our department within 3 months from ultrasound examination, were included in this retrospective study. A standardized ultrasound examination technique and predefined definitions of ultrasound characteristics were used. The results of ultrasound examination using gray scale and color Doppler were compared with the histological examination of the respective surgical specimens.

RESULTS

The study included 51 patients. On histological examination, 36 (70%) lesions were classified as benign, 10 (20%) as borderline ovarian tumors and 5 (10%) as invasively malignant tumors. In receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the best cut-off for the largest solid component with regard to discriminating non-invasive (benign or borderline) from invasive tumors was 14 mm. A largest solid component >14 mm, the presence of papillation blood flow and the combination of the two parameters provided a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 63, 63 and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Transvaginal ultrasound examination seems to be able to discriminate between invasive and non-invasive tumors in the premenopausal patients with unilocular-solid adnexal masses. Because of the retrospective nature of the study, further prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm the accuracy of the selected sonographic parameters in discriminating the invasive and non-invasive adnexal tumors.

Assessing gonadal function after childhood ovarian surgery

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the late effects of ovarian salvage or oophorectomy on gonadal function and fertility as measured by menstrual regularity.

METHODS

We performed a 10-year retrospective review of females aged 20 years or younger who required surgery to treat an ovarian disorder. A mail survey was distributed to these patients to evaluate the effects of ovarian surgery on menarche, menstrual regularity, and pregnancy.

RESULTS

A total of 180 females had surgery to treat an ovarian disorder. Eighty-six of these underwent unilateral oophorectomy (48%), whereas 94 (52%) had an ovary sparing procedure. Eighty-one patients (45%) returned completed surveys. Of the respondents, 44 had oophorectomy, and 37 had ovarian salvage. Ages of menarche were similar between surgical groups. Symptoms of menstrual irregularity differed most significantly according to painful menses (oophorectomy, 27.3%; salvage, 59.5%; P < .04). Interestingly, continuation of regular menses after surgery was higher in the oophorectomy group (oophorectomy, 70%; salvage, 15%; P = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral oophorectomy does not appear to impair late gonadal function when compared with ovarian salvage. Surprisingly, oophorectomy appears to maintain more normal ovarian activity as estimated by menstrual regularity. Oophorectomy may be performed without apparent adverse effect on gonadal activity.

Recommendations of the Fertility Task Force of the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology about the conservative management of ovarian malignant tumors

In young patients with borderline ovarian tumor a conservative treatment approach does not seem to have a significant impact on survival, and the outcome regarding fertility is good in general. It can be considered even if noninvasive peritoneal implants are discovered at the time of the initial surgery. In contrast, in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, conservative surgery should be considered only in adequately staged patients, with a stage IA grade 1 (and probably 2) serous, mucinous or an endometrioid tumor, including a careful follow-up. Such an approach could also probably be discussed in stage IC grade 1 disease.In patients with nonepithelial malignant ovarian tumors, conservative surgery is also feasible, particularly in patients with malignant germ cell tumors because of their high chemosensitivity leading to an excellent prognosis in general.

Borderline ovarian tumors diagnosed during pregnancy exhibit a high incidence of aggressive features: results of a French multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the characteristics of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) diagnosed during pregnancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of 40 patients with BOTs diagnosed during pregnancy between 1997 and 2009 at five tertiary universitary departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics and one French cancer center. The medical records were reviewed to determine surgical procedure, histology, restaging surgery and recurrence.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 30.2 ± 5.4 years. Most BOTs were diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy (62%). Salpingo-oophorectomy (N = 24) was more frequently performed than cystectomy (N = 11) during pregnancy (P = 0.01). Only two patients had an initial complete staging. BOTs were mucinous, serous and mixed in 48%, 42% and 10% of patients, respectively. Twenty-one percent of mucinous BOTs exhibited intraepithelial carcinoma or microinvasion. Forty-seven percent of serous BOTs exhibited micropapillary features, noninvasive implants or microinvasion. Restaging surgery performed in 52% patients resulted in upstaging in 24% of cases. Recurrence rate in patients with serous BOT with micropapillary features or peritoneal implants was 7.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

BOTs diagnosed during pregnancy exhibit a high incidence of aggressive features and are rarely completely staged initially. Given this setting, up-front salpingo-oophorectomy should be considered and restaging planned.

Clinical management of borderline ovarian tumors

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are epithelial tumors of the ovaries characterized by cellular proliferation and nuclear atypia but without an infiltrative growth pattern. As they frequently affect younger patients the clinical management is complicated by considerations such as preserving fertility and reducing postoperative morbidity. Over the past several decades surgical therapy has shifted from a radical approach to more conservative treatment. There are various modes of surgery applied to the patients. All these developments have to be considered from an oncologic standpoint as BOTs represent a potentially malignant disease. Oncologic safety, as well as patients' desires and expectations, have to be balanced to reach the most appropriate treatment for BOTs. For this reason current literature will be discussed in this review to give a thorough overview of this topic and to develop recommendations for the surgical management of these patients. Open questions will be identified to elaborate the need for future surveys and research.