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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
Serous Borderline Tumor, Left Ovary
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
Serous Borderline Tumor, Left Ovary
by Veronica1967, Jul 12, 2008 05:34PM
Hello,
I am 40 years old and had a Robotic Hysterectomy 2 weeks ago (uterus, cervix, ovaries, tubes). In 2 weeks I have a post op appointment with my Dr. Yesterday I saw another Dr in the practice for something unrelated and the nurse gave me my Hisotoligical Daignosis report-Biopsy report from my surgery. The diagnosis is as reads:( Serous Borderline Tumor, Left Ovary. Tumor measures 3.0cm x 2.0cm and does not involve the surface of the ovary.)
(The nurse told me the tumor was inside the ovary. Also, it is not cancer. She also stated the Dr would recommend I have ultrasounds every few months for a while).
Also, I have a palpable mass on my left flank thats been there for over a year and has grown. I have had CT of abdomen with IV and oral contrast and it was negative. An Abdominal Sonogram impression reads:( Subtle are of increased echogenicity which is apparantly palpable measuring 7mm x 5mm x 4mm. A small Lipoma would be principle consideration. Findings fairly non-specific for this lesion in the subcutaneous fat. )
Would you please explain my biopsy report to me and also explain the sonogram report to me? I saw a general surgeon for the left flank mass and she stated it appears to be a lipoma. I thought lipomas were soft, this mass is hard and has grown and now I am having lots of pain in my left flank.
With the new findings of the ovarian tumor, I am concerned the left flank mass may be something that has metastasized to that area. I truly appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
I am 40 years old and had a Robotic Hysterectomy 2 weeks ago (uterus, cervix, ovaries, tubes). In 2 weeks I have a post op appointment with my Dr. Yesterday I saw another Dr in the practice for something unrelated and the nurse gave me my Hisotoligical Daignosis report-Biopsy report from my surgery. The diagnosis is as reads:( Serous Borderline Tumor, Left Ovary. Tumor measures 3.0cm x 2.0cm and does not involve the surface of the ovary.)
(The nurse told me the tumor was inside the ovary. Also, it is not cancer. She also stated the Dr would recommend I have ultrasounds every few months for a while).
Also, I have a palpable mass on my left flank thats been there for over a year and has grown. I have had CT of abdomen with IV and oral contrast and it was negative. An Abdominal Sonogram impression reads:( Subtle are of increased echogenicity which is apparantly palpable measuring 7mm x 5mm x 4mm. A small Lipoma would be principle consideration. Findings fairly non-specific for this lesion in the subcutaneous fat. )
Would you please explain my biopsy report to me and also explain the sonogram report to me? I saw a general surgeon for the left flank mass and she stated it appears to be a lipoma. I thought lipomas were soft, this mass is hard and has grown and now I am having lots of pain in my left flank.
With the new findings of the ovarian tumor, I am concerned the left flank mass may be something that has metastasized to that area. I truly appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Jul 13, 2008 03:08PM
, Jul 13, 2008 03:08PM
hi Veronica,
I think you have two separate issues.
First the ovary:
That is wonderful news. You had a slow growing malignancy of the ovary (called a borderline tumor). It has been treated by surgical removal. Sounds like it was a stage Ia by the report. If you had both your tubes and ovaries removed, you are all set. The risk of recurrence is just about zero.
The terminology is confusing. Because it is so curable compared to invasive ovarian cancer, some people do not call a borderline tumor a malignancy but it is. The definition of a malignancy is a growth that can metastasize and can recur. there are unfortunate women who experience stage 4 borderline ovarian malignancies and some do die from it. You are not in that category.
Second issue is the flank mass. A lipoma is a fatty tumor. Fat can be soft or hard. If it is giving you pain, you should ask your surgeon about having it excised. It is not related to you ovarian tumor.
best wishes
I think you have two separate issues.
First the ovary:
That is wonderful news. You had a slow growing malignancy of the ovary (called a borderline tumor). It has been treated by surgical removal. Sounds like it was a stage Ia by the report. If you had both your tubes and ovaries removed, you are all set. The risk of recurrence is just about zero.
The terminology is confusing. Because it is so curable compared to invasive ovarian cancer, some people do not call a borderline tumor a malignancy but it is. The definition of a malignancy is a growth that can metastasize and can recur. there are unfortunate women who experience stage 4 borderline ovarian malignancies and some do die from it. You are not in that category.
Second issue is the flank mass. A lipoma is a fatty tumor. Fat can be soft or hard. If it is giving you pain, you should ask your surgeon about having it excised. It is not related to you ovarian tumor.
best wishes
-from the report (surface not involved -) it is inside which is great
"day2400"
I do not have enough information to help
A biopsy means taking a piece of tissue it can be as small as a few cells gotten from a needle that is like taking blood or as larger as a big surgery with a big incision in the abdomen. It depends on context.
You should make an appointment to see your doctor to go through the details of your particular case
best wishes
My Dr stated Borderline Tumors are not malignant and that my tumor would have never turned into cancer. She will have me do a follow up CT in about 4 months stating if anything shows up it will show up in a CT scan.
Dr. Goodman, since my tumor was malignant, does that mean I had ovarian cancer?
Also, do you feel I should follow up with a gynecologic oncologist?
Thank you Dr for all your wonderful work. You're a blessing to all of us.