Mucinous Borderline Tumor-Major Confusion!!

[Cheermom119]

I recently had a partial hysterectomy, removal of uterus, and removal of left sided ovarian cyst.  My GYN was convinced the cyst was benign due to its shape, but when the pathology was done, it came back as a "Focal Mucinous Borderline Tumor, intestinal type, arising in the background of an ovarian mucnious cystadenoma"..It is also noted on the path report that slides C and D each have a single focus of mucinous epithelium with complex architecture and epithelial tufting.  Singnificant cytologic atypia is not present.  The pathologist further wrote that "I observe foci of complex architecture within this otherwise bland mucinous cystadenoma.  There is minimal cytologic atypia associated with this foci.  The degree of architectural complexity and local epithelial tuftuing would be compatible with small foci of mucinous borderline tumor in the background of a mucinous cystadenoma"
WOW! So my doctor tells me that now they will need to go in and remove the ovaries.  All of this sounds so scary, but my GYN tells me that in cases like this in child bearing aged children they sometimes leave the ovaries in until they are done bearing children.  I am so scared of what all of this means and don't have an appointment until next week with the GYN ONC...I think I might just go crazy until I see her.  Does anyone have any advice

[hope_leigh]

I was diagnosed with Borderline Mucinous tumor in 2005.  I was 32 at the time so the gyn-onc suggested a laparatomy for staging purposes.  Since he found no further sign of any malignancies (staged me as stage 1b since the initial surgeon ruptured the cyst while removing it), he removed the affected ovary, tube and the appendix.  I had to follow up regularly with ultrasounds and blood test and have so far (knock on wood) been clear.  I have had 2 further surgeries to remove cysts on the remaining ovary but both have been fine.

I am now 37 and have since then had a child and am pregnant with my second (14 weeks).  My gyn-onc and by OB have both strongly suggested a hysterectomy when this baby is born.

I can only suggest going to a gyn-onc to make sure you get the right treatment from the start.  I did initially lean towards a hysterectomy as we got a major fright, but am glad we chose not to as we had no children at that time.  Obviously each case is different, and I count myself extremely lucky.

Good luck to you.

[chelan3]

Please make sure you see a Gyn-oncologist.  I would also ask for a second opinion on the pathology by a specialist in gynocoligical pathology.  Your Dr is right they often will perserve fertility in those of child-bearing age and then do a complete hysterectomy.  But I would ask for first a referral to gyn-oncologist (ask around if you can find one familiar with borderline tumors as they are rare) and a second opinion on the pathology.
Good luck and take care.

[gls2824]

There's a lot of information on borderline tumors on this site (you can do a search).  Mucinous borderline tumors are usually removed (they try and preserve some fertility in younger women) and then you are monitored.  I had a serous borderline tumor removed in January 2009 (total hysterectomy/oopherectomy). Stage 1C (confined to one ovary with atypical cells in third washing).   No chemo (chemo is not a good option unless it's micropapillary).

I was monitored every 3 months, and have recently graduated to 6-month appointments.  Outcomes are very favorable.  If you read the posts on the site relating to borderline you will have enough information to bring to your gyn/oc to ask questions.  

[kcd86]

Borderline ovarian tumors,  depending on what the pathology report says will depend on the course of treatment. Removal of the mass and staging is done just as if they would do for any of the ovarian cancers. You should find out if they did a cell mitotic rate index on the path report. A high mitotic rate can mean a more agressive form . "epithelial tuftuing" I am not sure I have seen this before but it is of concern, ask your gyn/oncologist specifically about it.
But I also believe these cancers have a high rate of long term survival.
You should get copies of all reports and discuss in depth with your GYN/Oncologist> It is imperative that you are being treated by a GYN/Oncologist as studies have shown a much better long term survival when you are treated by the specialist> What did the cytology of the perionieal cavity show? Ask your gyn if they removed the cyst/mass intact???
You have found a great site with some very knowlegable people on it. Post with any other questions you may have.
I wish you al the best
Kevin