Serous borderline tumor

My sister was diagnosed with a serous borderline tumor, her ovaries and uterus are being removed now. Will there be any recurrence of this again in any other part of the body? What all the other tests she has to keep track on other than CA 125 test? Is there any precautions that she could take to avoid recurrence or any harmful effect for her? Does she need to undergo radiation or chemotherapy? We are still waiting for the biopsy result.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There

borderline ovarian tumors are treated by surgery only. Radiation or chemotherapy is not appropriate and not effective. This is because borderline ovarian tumors are very slow growing. Radiation and chemotherapy only works on fast growing cancers.

In general most women have borderline tumors confined to the ovary and are cured with surgery. The risk of recurrence will depend on stage
CA 125 is the very best screening test for recurrence.
once a woman has had a full removal of uterus and  both tubes and ovaries, there are no other interventions needed ot prevent recurrence
best wishes