hysterectomy following borderline malignant tumor

[jcrupp]

(I think I have finally figured out where I need to post my question fort he doctor, although I have appreciated the comments in the nonmonitored section--sorry)

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.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
I completely agree with the management that you received. In general, for borderline ovarian tumors, close follow up is recommended. That would include an exam, CA 125 every 3-6 months for the first 5 years after therapy. I agree with getting a CT scan for now. If your tumor involved the omentum, there is a slight risk of recurrence within the next five years. The CA 125 blood test and the CT scan will be a good addition to keeping an eye on you. If there is any sign of recurrence, that is usually managed with surgical removal. Please also see the following posts for other information about borderline tumors.
best wishes to you

8/22/2006: "can borderline ovarian cancer occur concurrently with frankly malignant cancer?"
7/23/2006 "For those with borderline tumors"
7/18/2006 ""Seromucinous epithelial tumor of low malignant potential."