Borderline Ovarian Tumor Reccurance After 2 Surgeries?

[Joshua'sMom]

I've had 2 surgeries in the past 6 months to remove a borderline tumor from my right ovary and then my entire ovary/tube in Nov. 2006 because borderline cells were also found in some of the tissue on the back of the ovary. My first borderline tumor was removed from my left ovary in March '06. My Oncologist has observed but not touched my left ovary during these surgeries even though it has had 2 cysts since Spring of last year. Both of them have appeared stable and they would just monitor them. I went for my follow-up ultrasound last week and it showed that one of the cysts has grown quite a bit (from 1.5 cm to 2.6 x 3.4 cm). Also, the ultrasound tech noted that I now have a 4 cm "pocket of fluid with multiple septations" on my right side right above where by right ovary was. My Oncologist said there was no guarantee that some of the cells from the tissue she removed in Sept. had not shed and spread to other areas.

Have you ever heard of a cyst-like mass growing with no ovary, tissue, or tube on that side? Do you think I should have the left ovarian cysts removed or the entire ovary? This is where the borderline cancer started. Is there some type of treatment to put these growths to a halt in addition to surgery? All of my tumors have qrown very quickly.

[Joshua'sMom]

Hi, Dr. Goodman. Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions. I am scheduled to have my entire left ovary and tube removed along with my uterus next Monday, the 26th. My Oncologist is concerned and suspecting another LMP tumor or possibly true malignancy because this cyst has 2 nodules in it and blood flow was evident in an ultrasound they did last week. Can you please provide your thoughts on this? They scheduled my surgery ASAP so I am thankful for that. I am only 28 years old and realize that this is the end of my fertility but I am thankful for the son I have and don't want to risk not being able to watch him grow up. Thanks so much for your feedback and support.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

hi there,

It sounds like you should strongly consider the removal of that ovary. are you trying to have another child? that would be a reason to just try to remove the cysts and preserve the ovary. There is no current medication that is effective in treating borderline ovarian tumors. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy.

best wishes to you