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Are Borderline Ovarian Tumors Fatal?
Question: I have a borderline cancer left ovary that was taken out with a hysterectomy , they did not know there was borderline tumor inside ovary. I am 38 doctors don't want me to go through Early menopause. Should I have a staging done.I'm not comfortable with not knowing about the other one and I want to live a long time. Both my grandmothers had beast cancer due to hrt. What would you recommend for me ?
Brief Answer:
It is best if you undergo staging, but you may not need hysterectomy
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Borderline tumors of the ovary are not cancerous, but they can recur or develop invasive implants (small areas of tissue in the pelvis outside of your ovaries). For that reason, most GYN oncologists recommend staging, with biopsy of your lymph nodes, omentum (fatty tissue that covers your intestines) and peritoneum (the skin that lines your abdominal cavity). You may not necessarily need your uterus or other ovary removed, as young women can be followed if the other ovary appears normal.
I highly recommend you consult with a GYN oncologist regarding your surgery, because better prognosis and successful staging has been shown for patients who have their surgery done by a specialist as opposed to a general gynecologist or surgeon.
So in summary, I think you definitely should undergo a staging procedure, and early menopause should not be a deciding factor in how to proceed. However, depending on the oncologist and the type and size of the borderline tumor, you may not necessarily need your other ovary removed.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was helpful. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
It is best if you undergo staging, but you may not need hysterectomy
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Borderline tumors of the ovary are not cancerous, but they can recur or develop invasive implants (small areas of tissue in the pelvis outside of your ovaries). For that reason, most GYN oncologists recommend staging, with biopsy of your lymph nodes, omentum (fatty tissue that covers your intestines) and peritoneum (the skin that lines your abdominal cavity). You may not necessarily need your uterus or other ovary removed, as young women can be followed if the other ovary appears normal.
I highly recommend you consult with a GYN oncologist regarding your surgery, because better prognosis and successful staging has been shown for patients who have their surgery done by a specialist as opposed to a general gynecologist or surgeon.
So in summary, I think you definitely should undergo a staging procedure, and early menopause should not be a deciding factor in how to proceed. However, depending on the oncologist and the type and size of the borderline tumor, you may not necessarily need your other ovary removed.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was helpful. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I have already had the husterectemy inonly have 1 ovary . It is unknown if cancer is in there .. Is was a borderline tumor in the pathology of thebother ovary. I saw an oncologist who said i should leave the other in and watch it . Im bot comfortable with that
Brief Answer:
Then you should have it removed- if you're that anxious
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
No matter what the consequences of early surgical menopause might be, I do not think it is unreasonable to have the other tube and ovary removed (ovarian cancer can originate in the Fallopian tube so it should be removed as well). You can always take estrogen replacement, as it does not affect your risk of recurrence.
In the end, you are the one who needs to feel secure about your condition. If you understand that it is unlikely you will develop ovarian cancer if your ovary is monitored carefully, and you still want the surgery, I am sure you can find a surgeon who will honor your request.
Anyway I hope you get the treatment that works best for you and will give you peace of mind.
Regards, and good luck,
Dr. Brown
Then you should have it removed- if you're that anxious
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
No matter what the consequences of early surgical menopause might be, I do not think it is unreasonable to have the other tube and ovary removed (ovarian cancer can originate in the Fallopian tube so it should be removed as well). You can always take estrogen replacement, as it does not affect your risk of recurrence.
In the end, you are the one who needs to feel secure about your condition. If you understand that it is unlikely you will develop ovarian cancer if your ovary is monitored carefully, and you still want the surgery, I am sure you can find a surgeon who will honor your request.
Anyway I hope you get the treatment that works best for you and will give you peace of mind.
Regards, and good luck,
Dr. Brown
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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