Abstract
Background: Here we present a retrospective study of 17 cases in which the ovary on the affected side was spared in fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) during treatment for ovarian borderline malignant or malignant tumor. We determine that cystectomy is a suitable treatment for ovarian borderline tumors. Methods: A retrospective observation study was conducted at Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital in Japan between April 2009 and September 2020. Our hospital experienced 89 cases of FSS during treatment for ovarian borderline or malignant tumor. Of those, there were 17 cases in which the ovary on the affected side was spared. We examined recurrent and pregnant cases by stage, preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative pathological diagnosis, postoperative pathological diagnosis, and adjuvant therapy. Result: Of the 17, 12 cases were borderline malignant tumor, 4 were immature teratoma grade 1 (G1), and 1 case was endometrioid adenocarcinoma G1. Rapid intraoperative pathological diagnosis was conducted in 9 of the cases, and there were 6 in which surgical method was chosen based on the aforementioned results. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 2 cases in which tumors were deemed benign via preoperative diagnosis, 2 cases of mature teratoma, and 2 in which borderline ovarian tumor was suspected. One (1) case of paraovarian cystecomy in a patient with history of multiple cesarean sections turned out to be serous borderline tumor. Postoperative treatment took place in only 1 case: endometrioid adenocarcinoma. There were 2 cases of recurrence, and 4 cases were eventually able to become pregnant naturally post-surgery. These pregnant cases included 1 in which serous borderline tumor recurred and we performed both cystectomy and lymphadenectomy, and one in which chemotherapy was performed after cyst enucleation for endometrioid adenocarcinoma G1. Conclusion: At present, there is no clear policy for FSS in cases such as stage Ib in which there are bilateral tumors. Accordingly, in the current study a radiologist was consulted for preoperative diagnosis, and surgical method was chosen with a view towards possible borderline malignancy or malignancy. In cases where fertility preservation of the affected ovary is a high priority, it is crucial to clearly explain the possibility of recurrence to the patient. We also stress the importance of detailed consultation among the surgical team during rapid intraoperal frozen section pathological examination for making the appropriate decision to ensure fertility preservation mid-surgery.
Highlights
Ovarian borderline tumors (BTs) are defined as tumors displaying a histology that is intermediate between malignant and benign, and because of their relatively low malignancy, have a reputation as rarely if ever leading to death even in the event of recurrence after a long lapse
There were 2 cases of recurrence, and 4 cases were eventually able to become pregnant naturally postsurgery. These pregnant cases included 1 in which serous borderline tumor recurred and we performed both cystectomy and lymphadenectomy, and one in which chemotherapy was performed after cyst enucleation for endometrioid adenocarcinoma grade 1 (G1)
At present, there is no clear policy for fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) in cases such as stage Ib in which there are bilateral tumors
Summary
Ovarian borderline tumors (BTs) are defined as tumors displaying a histology that is intermediate between malignant and benign, and because of their relatively low malignancy, have a reputation as rarely if ever leading to death even in the event of recurrence after a long lapse. In contrast to the standard approach, fertility sparing surgery (FSS) utilizes peritoneal biopsy and unilateral salphingo-oophorectomy in addition to the complete surgical staging mentioned above [3]. FSS has been recommended for young women [3], but because bilateral onset of BTs is not uncommon and fertility sparing unilateral salphingo-oophorectomy and unilateral cystectomy are often selected, tumorigenesis on the remaining side often occurs. Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors are often young-onset, and fertility sparing must be considered in such cases . We review cases at our hospital where FSS was performed in borderline malignant and malignant tumor patients, including recurrences as well as patients who eventually became pregnant. We present a retrospective study of 17 cases in which the ovary on the affected side was spared in fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) during treatment for ovarian borderline malignant or malignant tumor. We determine that cystectomy is a suitable treatment for ovarian borderline tumors
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