Bordeline ovarian tumour

    Cards (15)

    • Borderline ovarian tumour
      Abnormal cells that form in the tissue covering the ovary, not cancerous, treated by surgery which is usually a complete cure
    • Approximately 15 in 100 cases (15%) of ovarian tumours are borderline tumours
    • Borderline ovarian tumours
      • Their growth is limited and they never invade the supportive tissue of the ovary, called the stroma
      • They are also called low malignant (the possibility to become cancerous) tumours as they tend to grow slowly and in a more controlled manner when compared to cancer cells
    • Types of borderline ovarian tumours
      • Serous (covered in serum)
      • Mucinous (covered in mucus)
    • Serous tumours are more common at 65 in 100 cases (65%) of patients treated
    • Borderline ovarian tumours that have spread
      They attach small seedlings onto the peritoneum (a layer veering the organs in the abdomen)
    • Symptoms of a borderline ovarian tumour
      • Pain or pressure in the tummy
      • A change in bowel habit
      • A swollen abdomen
      • Vaginal bleeding (not related to your period)
      • Frequent emptying of the bladder
    • Diagnosis of a borderline ovarian tumour

      1. Consultant examination
      2. Ultrasound scan
      3. Further investigations including scans and blood tests
    • Surgery for borderline ovarian tumours
      • Surgical removal of only the affected ovary and fallopian tube, with the womb and other ovary left in place
      • Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingoophrectomy (removal of both ovaries and both tubes)
    • If the borderline ovarian tumour is only within the ovary, and the patient wishes to have more children, fertility-conserving surgery can be done to save the other ovary, fallopian tube and the womb
    • It is important to take painkillers regularly for the first few days following surgery, or leading up to it if needed
    • If the patient will not be able to work for more than seven days in a row, they are entitled to request a fit note from a hospital doctor
    • There is no clear evidence on what the best follow up is for patients who have had a borderline ovarian tumour, but regular follow-up including hospital appointments and occasional scans is very important
    • Occasionally, the borderline tumour cells can change to cancerous cells, which is why regular close follow-up is very important
    • Useful sources of information
      • Ovacome charity
      • Cancer Research
      • Target Ovarian Cancer
      • Dimbleby Cancer Care
      • British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy
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