borderline overian tumor

I recently had a histerectomy and went in for my six week post check up and was told by the doctor that my pathology report came back showing that the two large tumors on my left overy was a borderline ovarian tumor and he was sending me right away to the oncologist and that he probably would want to do a round of chemo. What does this mean? I was in shock with this news and really did not hear what he was saying to me. Does this mean that I had cancer in my body or that it could have been cancer and is this something that I NEED to worry about?? I am a very scared bride-to-be on July 19th and I need some answers!!  THANKS!!!!

[Brownie3321]

Whoa...ok first off take a deep breath. You said you've had a hysterectomy, but they found 2 tumors on one of your ovaries, what was taken when you had your hysterectomy? There is no way for a doc to confirm you have cancer without a biopsy done, your tumors could be benign. It's very smart for him to be sending you to an onc, you want to make sure there will be a onc/gyn doing the surgery. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! I'm not sure why he told you you would need a round of chemo without knowing 100% that you have cancer...that seems very strange. I think you should schedule a 2nd opinion or schedule an appointment with a onc/gyn to look over your scans. Best of luck to you, feel free to ask me anyother questions you may have. Deandra

[Casey06]

Hi Christell. I had a hysterectomy in Aug 07 and they found one borderline tumor on my left ovary also. Borderline tumors are what I call "almost cancer", but very scary non the less. Some doctors do call it a form of ovarian cancer, although it is very slow growing, usually non-invase type.
You should definately be seen by a gyn oncologist and have the pathology of the original operation/tumors confirmed for borderline (mostly to rule out a more agressive cell type).
If the second path confirms a borderline dx, then chemo is not required for this tumor type (unless in rare cases it has spread outside the pelvis). Which brings me to another point, the gyn onc may need to determine this. I hope this doesn't scare you.

As follow-up I get a blood test called CA-125 (its cancer marker) every 4 months and I went from 400 pre-op to 8 and holding since.

Here are some links:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/ovarian-low-malignant-potential/patient/
http://www.ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/glossary.cfm

Follow-up is important, but don't panic.
Take care and keep in touch.

[chelan3]

Hi Christell, I was diagonsed with Borderline LMP OVCA 6 yrs ago this month (at age 32).  It's important that you see an oncologist AND have a second opinion on the pathology.  Borderline ovca can be difficult to diagonose correctly and there are two different kinds.  One kind is agressive and usually found at a higher stage (usually 3) this one is called MPSC and the other which is very slow growing and is called LMP.  MPSC is typically treated with chemo although because of its cell type doesn't respond well to chemo.  LMP behaves benign and therefore doesn't need chemo - even in advanced stages.  
Even if you have LMP follow up is necessary - if it does happen to return it usually doesn't return for about 10 yrs.  
Good Luck and I hope you return with good news.
Debbie