Ovarian serous surface papillary borderline tumor: characteristic imaging features with clinicopathological correlation

Serous surface papillary borderline ovarian tumors: correlation of sonographic features with clinic pathological findings

Serous surface papillary borderline ovarian tumor (SSPBOT) is a distinct subtype of serous borderline ovarian tumor characterized by solid tissue deposition confined to the ovarian surface. Because SSPBOT is rare, there are few published reports on the ultrasonographic features of this condition. In this retrospective study, we investigated 12 cases of SSPBOT. Ultrasound imaging of SSPBOT showed grossly normal ovaries that were encased partially or wholly by tumor deposits that were confined to the surface, with clear demarcation between normal ovarian tissue and surrounding tumors. Color Doppler imaging demonstrated the 'fireworks sign' in all cases of SSPBOT, corresponding to an intratumoral vascular bundle originating from the ovarian vessels and supplying hierarchical branching blood flow to the surrounding tumor. No patient with ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma showed these morphological and Doppler features. In our series, the fireworks sign appeared to be a characteristic feature of SSPBOT that could facilitate correct identification of this tumor. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate between borderline and malignant serous epithelial ovarian tumors

PURPOSE

We aimed to differentiate serous borderline ovarian tumors (SBOT) from serous epithelial ovarian carcinomas (SEOC) using morphological and functional MRI findings, to improve the patient management.

METHOD

We retrospectively investigated 24 ovarian lesions diagnosed with SBOT and 64 ovarian lesions diagnosed with SEOC. Additional to the demographic and morphological findings T2W signal intensity ratio, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean) and total apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCtotal) values were analyzed and compared between two groups.

RESULTS

Bilaterality, pelvic free fluid presence, serum CA-125 level (U/mL), presence of pelvic peritoneal implant were in favor of SEOC. Lower maximum size of solid component and solid size to maximum size ratio, dominantly cystic and solid-cystic appearance, exophytic growth pattern, presence of papiller projection and papillary architecture and internal branching pattern, higher T2W signal intensity ratio, ADCmean and ADCtotal values were in favor of SBOT.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that morphological and functional imaging findings were valuable in differentiating BSOT from SEOC.

The challenging management of borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) in women of childbearing age

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) account for approximately 15% of all epithelial ovarian cancers. In 80% of cases the diagnosis of BOTs is done at stage I and more than a third of BOTs occurs in women younger than 40 years of age wishing to preserve their childbearing potential; the issue of conservative surgical management (fertility-sparing treatment) is thus becoming of paramount importance. At early stages, the modalities of conservative treatment could range from mono-lateral cystectomy to bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Although cystectomy is the preferred method to promote fertility it can lead to an elevated risk of recurrence; therefore, an appropriate counseling about the risk of relapse is mandatory before opting for this treatment. Nevertheless, relapses are often benign and can be treated by repeated conservative surgery. Besides the stage of the disease, histological subtype is another essential factor when considering the proper procedure: as most mucinous BOTs (mBOTs) are more commonly unilateral, the risk of an invasive recurrence seems to be higher, compared to serous histotype, therefore unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is recommended. In the appraisal of current literature, this review aims to gain better insight on the current recommendations to identify the right balance between an accurate staging and an optimal fertility outcome.

A New Insight on Exophytic Serous Borderline Adnexal Tumors: Specific Sonographic Features

OBJECTIVES

To characterize and compare the sonographic features of exophytic serous borderline ovarian tumors (ESBOT) with those of high-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary (HGSC).

METHODS

Seven patients with histological diagnosis of ESBOT diagnosed between 2011 and 2019 and 10 consecutive cases of HGSC detected during 2019, both depicting an exophytic growth pattern, were identified retrospectively. The sonographic imaging of the masses was reassessed and characterized according to the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis terms.

RESULTS

A unilateral irregular solid adnexal mass was demonstrated in all patients with ESBOT. The mass typically wrapped an apparently normal ovary, with a clear demarcation line depicted between them and it contained tiny cystic inclusions and calcifications. On color Doppler study of all the ESBOT cases, a unique vascular pattern could be demonstrated: an intratumoral vascular bundle originating from the ovarian vessels and supplying a rich radial blood flow to the tumor periphery. These characteristic morphological and color Doppler features could not be observed in any of the HGSC cases (P < .001). In 42.8% of the patients with ESBOT, additional unilocular-solid components (ipsilateral or contralateral) could be detected, whereas all the HGSC patients presented with a multilocular-solid tumor morphology (P < .001). The interface of the external mass border with the adjacent pelvic walls was regular in all the cases with ESBOT, whereas in 80% of HGSC patients, it was irregular, suggesting invasiveness (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

ESBOT can mimic HGSC. Our results suggest that ESBOT has specific B-mode and color Doppler features, enabling differentiation from HGSC and planning appropriate intervention.

Serous borderline ovarian tumours: an extensive review on MR imaging features

Serous borderline ovarian tumours (SBOTs) are an intermediate group of neoplasms, which have features between benign and malignant ovarian tumours and for which, fertility-sparing surgery can be offered. MRI in imaging of SBOTs is, therefore, crucial in raising the possibility of the diagnosis, in order to present the patient with the most appropriate treatment options. There are characteristic MRI features that SBOTs demonstrate. In addition, recent advanced techniques, and further classification into subtypes within the borderline group have been developed. The aim of this article is to review the MRI features of SBOT and provide the reporter with an awareness of the imaging tips and tricks in the differential diagnosis of SBOT.

MR imaging findings of low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary: comparison with serous borderline tumor

PURPOSE

To assess MR imaging findings of low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) of the ovary compared with those of serous borderline tumor (SBT).

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with histopathologically proven 7 LGSCs and 25 SBTs who underwent preoperative MR imaging were included. We retrospectively reviewed MR images and compared MR findings between the two pathologies.

RESULTS

The predominantly solid lesions were marginally more frequent in LGSCs than in SBTs (43% vs. 8%, p = 0.057). All predominantly cystic LGSCs were multilocular cystic lesions with mural nodules. Predominantly solid LGSCs exhibited pure solid masses in 2 of 3 and solid masses with intratumoral cysts in 1 of 3. Papillary growth pattern with internal branching was observed only in 18 of 25 SBTs. Signal intensity ratio on T2-weighted images (4.48 ± 1.55 vs. 8.40 ± 3.53, p < 0.01) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values (1.12 ± 0.21 vs. 1.73 ± 0.27 × 10^-3 mm²/s, p < 0.01) of solid components was significantly lower in LGSCs than in SBTs.

CONCLUSION

Compared with SBTs, lower signal intensity on T2-weighted images and lower ADC values were characteristic features of solid components in LGSCs. Papillary growth pattern with internal branching was not observed in LGSCs.

[Borderline Ovarian Tumours: CNGOF Guidelines for Clinical Practice - Imaging]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the place of imaging and the performance of different imaging techniques (transvaginal ultrasound with or without Doppler, scoring, CT, MRI) to differentiate benign tumour, borderline ovarian tumour (BOT) and malignant ovarian tumor. Differentiate the histological subtypes of BOT (serous, sero-mucinous, mucinous) and prediction in imaging of the possibility of conservative treatment.

METHODS

The research was carried out over the last 16 years using the terms "MeSH" based on the query of the Medline® database and supplemented by the review of references contained in the meta-analyzes, systematic reviews and original articles included.

RESULTS

Endo-vaginal and suprapubic ultrasonography is recommended for analysis of an ovarian mass (grade A). In the case of ultrasound by a referent, subjective analysis is the recommended technique (grade A). In case of echography by a non-referent, the use of "Simple Rules" is recommended (grade A) and should be best combined with subjective analysis to rejoin the performance of a sonographer refer (grade A). In cases of undetermined ovarian lesions in endovaginal ultrasound and suprapubic ultrasound, it is recommended to perform a pelvic MRI (grade A). The MRI protocol should include T2, T1, T1 sequences with fat saturation, diffusion, injected dynamics, and after gadolinium injection (grade B). To characterize an MRI-adnexal image, it is recommended to include a risk score for malignancy (ADNEX-MR/O-RADS) (grade C) in the report and to formulate an anatomopathological hypothesis (Grade C). The predictive signs of benignity in front of a cyst with endocystic vegetations are the low number, the small size, the presence of calcifications and the absence of Doppler flow in case of size greater than 10mm in echography (LP 4) and a curve of type 1 MRI (LP4). MRI is recommended for suspicious lesions of BOT in ultrasound (grade B) or indeterminate lesions in ultrasound (grade A). There is no data to support the usefulness of CT or PET-CT for BOT. Morphological criteria in ultrasound and MRI exist to differentiate BOT from invasive tumors regardless of grade (NP 2). Pelvic MRI is recommended to characterize a tumor suggestive of ultrasound BOT (grade C). No recommendations can be made about the use of combined ultrasound, biological, and menopausal status scores for the diagnosis of BOT. The diagnostic performance of imaging to detect peritoneal implants of BOT is not known. The assessment of the invasiveness of peritoneal implants of imaging BOT has not been evaluated. The association of macroscopic signs in MRI makes it possible to differentiate the different subtypes - serous, sero-mucinous and mucinous (intestinal type) - of BOT, despite the overlap of certain presentations (LP3). The analysis of macroscopic MRI signs must be performed to differentiate the different subtypes of TFO (grade C). No recommendation can be made on imaging prediction of the possibility of conservative BOT treatment.

A rat model of serous borderline ovarian tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Serous borderline ovarian tumors (SBOTs) behave between benign cystadenomas and carcinomas, and the effective detection and clinical management of SBOTs remain clinical challenges. Because it is difficult to isolate and enrich borderline tumor cells, a borderline animal model is in need. 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) is capable of inducing the initiation, promotion, and progression of serous ovarian tumors. This study aims to investigate the proper dosage and induction time of DMBA for rat models of SBOTs, and explore their morphological features demonstrated by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and molecular genetic characteristics. Rats were randomly divided into six groups (1 mg/70 D, 2 mg/70 D, 3 mg/70 D, 2 mg/50 D, 2 mg/90 D, and 2 mg/110 D). The 3 mg/70 D group induced the most SBOTs (50.0%, 12/24). The micropapillary projections were shown on MR imaging, which was the characteristic of SBOTs. The Cyclin D1 characterizing an early pathogenetic event strongly expressed in induced serous benign tumors (SBTs). The immunoreactivity staining scores of P53 expression significantly increased from SBTs, SBOTs to serous ovarian carcinomas (SCAs), which elucidate that P53 might be a promising biomarker to grade serous ovarian tumors. Based on morphological and molecular genetic similarities, this rodent SBOT model was suitable for investigating the pathogenesis of serous ovarian tumors and developing an early detection strategy.