Follow-up for borderline ovca

Hi, I was diag 4 and 1/2 yrs ago with LMP borderline ovca. I opted for a full TAH.  I have follow-ups every 6 mos (pelvic exam and yearly CT scan)and the dr. has indicated at 5 years I no longer need follow ups from him since each exam was fine. I always thought that borderline ovca should be followed longer since it grows slowly. I would've thought my gyn would want at least yearly follow-ups, although I'm not sexally active so maybe that's why?  
What is the protocal for borderline ovca follow-ups?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
good question! I agree with you. You should continue to have yearly follow up. The risk of recurrence of borderline tumors will be depend on the stage. If you had a stage one (confined to one or both ovaries), the chance of recurrence is probably close to zero. In fact I would be more concerned about checking you from something new ( breast ca, colon ca, peritoneal cancer). If you had a stage III borderline tumor, yes that can recur 5- 10 years later.
I usually do an exam and get a CA 125. If a person has had a stage 3 borderline tumor, I would usually check a CT scan every 1-3 years depending on how far out they are from diagnosis.
take care