Post hysterectomy following Borderline Malignant tumor

Hi, this past June (2006) I had my left ovary, fallopian tube, a borderline malignant tumor the size of a raquetball, and the omentum the tumor had attached to removed. The tumor had caused a noticable inflammatory response to the left side of my abdomen and the lymph node in my left groin. As a result of the findings from this first surgery, I chose to have a full hysterectomy in August 2006. The pathology report identified another borderline growth about a centimeter in diameter in the right ovary. (I am 34 years old and my husband and I had completed our family--so that was not an issue. I am also a nurse, so I know the effects of early menospause and chose that over the stress of the unknown GYN future.)
My question is: Where do I go from here?  I just returned from my 6 week post-op appointment and my dr. suggested a CT scan of my abdomen in 6 months. After that, he said he was not sure what the next step should be due to the lack of research on borderline malignant tumors. He said he would continue to do some research and told me to do the same. Thank you.

[scoutshadow]

If you look in the Ovarian Cancer Answers forum there is a post 23/07/06 'For those with Borderline Ovarian Tumours'.  The consultant who answers the questions has given a very good site to visit.

You were so right to get a hysterectomy.  Was there any indication during the operation that all was normal with the ovary with the 1cm tumour?

You have a very proactive doctor.  Good luck with your quest!

[chicken3]

Hi

Nice to meet you!  I was diagnosised with borderline ovarian tumor on my left ovary---1 cm.  They believed it was caused from IVF ICIS I went into severe ovary hyperstimuation syndrome when I became pregnant with my twins.  A mass grew my Left ovary during my last trimester in my pregnancy which a fast growing adenoma another mass which was a fibroid.  Both messed up my ovary that doctor could not save it and had to removed it.  In the middle ovary they found less the cm this borderline. The was nothing more suspicious found

I am due to have hysterectomy sometime in October early November.  Like you I am a nurse----doing alot of reading (frustrating not much on this disease).  What I can tell you is that Ca125 are usually not very sensative to it.  I think in your case CT scan is excellent idea.

Did you go on any hormone therapy?  I actually am more afraid of what the "play ground" might be like post hysterectomy---I know that is stupid I should be grateful that this will save my life but I have not been married long---I guess that is why I worry about it.

Also John Hopkins seem to be the big guns in the area of Borderline ovarian cancer.

Best wish

[jcrupp]

The one cm tumor was initially thought to be just a small cyst--the pathology report identified it as borderline after the hysterectomy.  I am taking Estrace and I am feeling REALLY good emotionally and physically.  I stared taking it before I left the hospital.  It has only been 6 weeks, but I have not experienced any menopausal symptoms--yet.  The stress relief of knowing that everything is gone has been the best therapy for me.  I went to the web site mentioned and remembered looking at it after my first surgery.  I didn't spend to much time on it at the time--I wasn't ready to read about death rates!  Thanks for the comments.

[chelan2]

Hi in 2002 when I was 33 I also had a complex cyst removed from my left ovary that was diag as stage 1 borderline LMP.  In all my research I found that there are 2 types of borderline ovarian cancer  one which is LMP (which usually causes no other problems after surgery - but regular checkups are still necessary) and the other is called MPSC (micro papillary serous cancer - which is more aggressive and does not respond to chemo because it is such a slow growing cancer).  I had a frozen section done during my surgery and the final pathology both agreed it was LMP.  I was advised to have a second opinion which I did and it also returned the same diag.  Borderline is a hard ovca to diag properly so it's important that both you and your dr know which kind you have.  There is a dr (dr. Kurman) at John Hopkins who specializes in borderline ovca and its pathology (i'm from canada and didn't go there, but did consider having slides sent there).  I had a hysterectomy a year and half later.  I opted not to take estrogren much to my dr's dislike but it was my choice and I haven't regretted it.  I have regular 6 mos follow-ups and a yearly CT scan.  I just passed the 4 year mark and actually my 4 yr CT scan is tomorrow.

Debbie

[nyc lady]

It is my understanding that the follow up for Broderline OvCa is the same as the other stages....the first 2 years visits and CA125s every 3 months....then you graduate to the 2 times per year plan.

These cancers have the best prognosis, but, like every other cancer, the cure rate is not 100 percent and recurrences can happen even after 5 years as they are slow growing.  It is imperative that you keep up with your check ups and follow up appointments.