Borderline Ovarian tumor

Should "borderline" tumors be treated as other ovarian tumors?
Waiting to see oncologist. What should I expect him to do to ensure that no cancer cells have shed. Will a cat scan be enough or will "washings" have to be done, if so how is this performed?
I'm a little confused and want to ask all the right questions at the appointment.
Looking forward to hearing from anyone who knows more than me!

love,
Dorisx

Doris,
In looking this up in my book from Mayo on women's cancers, it looks like the doctors do the same diagnosis process as for ovarian cancer. They want to find out where it shows up. It is hard to say what your oncologist will do to determine the extent of spread of the cells (if any at all). He may want to do further surgery or he may do a PET scan.

I am sorry I can't answer your question directly. It is good you are seeing an oncologist. Is this Dr. a gyn/onc? You have a good start on your list of questions for the Dr. Write all the questions down. Don't be surprised if your questions get answered before you even askthem!

When is your appointment? This waiting part is very hard as we want answers, now!

s and ers.
Jane

Want to wish you well. I dont know anything about this but I hope you get some clear answers and that it all goes easy and well for you.

Thanks very much for your replies. I really appreciate your support. I haven't got my appointment time yet, stilll waiting i'm afraid.

Love, Dorisxx

s Doris

Here is a great site for you from Johns Hopkins Univ regarding your borderline ovarian cancer.

http://ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/lmp.cfm

Hope you find it helpful.

oxoxox karenann

Hi there

I have had my ovaries out as they had borderline tumours and have been told that this is good as borderline mean they not quite cancer but not normal either I have been told that they are the low scale and once the ovaries have been removed that should be it no further treatment just 3 monthly check up hope this helps.

I was just diagnosed with having an ovarian borderline tumor so I've been doing a lot of reading. Generally they are treated surgically. If a woman is under 40, wants to be able to have more children and has a tumor that hasn't spread, the surgeon may remove just the tumor or just one ovary and tube. In other women, they'll usually remove the uterus and the other ovary and tube, too. In either case, they'll also do what they call surgical staging - biopsies in various places, removing any visible tumor, etc.

Usually there isn't any need for chemotherapy but there is a need for regular followup to watch for signs of recurrence. If the tumor does recur, that's usually treated surgically. Most women with these tumors do well but the followup is very important.

I'm sorry you're going through this but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one here dealing with it.

Take care.

Frances

Just wanted to let you know that I had a borderline tumor in the ovary in 1999 and after a couple years of frequent check ups, I've graduated slowly to not even having a gynecologist anymore (my onc switched out of my coverage). I feel good. I'm glad I had everything out. And the bumps in the road to recovery weren't bad because I knew I was glad that everything was out.

Dear Ladies,
Firstly thank you all very much for your informative and thoughtful replies.
I am one very confused woman! I went to see the oncologist this week and we discussed and agreed that I would be referred for surgical staging as this seemed to be the best option. I understood that it is major surgery but the oncologist persuaded me because he indicated that the 3 remaining sites of endometriosis were possible sites for cancer cells and should be investigated. So we left the consultation preparing for surgery.
However last night my Gynaecologist phoned to say that he thought that the Laparotomy carried a high risk of morbidity and that for a borderline tumour with no invasion it was not necessary. He would not recommend this at all!
We have agreed to meet next week to discuss this. Of course i do not want to have unnecessary major surgery but i am very worried about stray cancer cells. Surely the peritoneal washings are essential as these will not show on a Cat scan?
i am totally confused yet relieved if i do not need surgery but want to do the best that i can as I am still young (41).
Anyone any thoughts on what should be a minimum staging procedure?
Thanks,
Dorisxx

s Doris

Is your gyn a gynecologic oncologist or an ob/gyn?
If so, I highly recommend you getting a third opinion from a gynecologic oncologist. They are the experts with gyn cancers.
I am wondering why your gyn is saying a high risk of morbidity for you at the age of 41?
I have a dear friend who was diagnosed with an advanced low malignant potential. Her care has been similar to those of us with epithelial ovarian cancer.
I feel it is so important to be staged properly, even with borderline.
Best wishes.

oxoxo karenann