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Borderline Ovarian Tumour — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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ModerateGynaecological CancersBorderline Ovarian TumourSCE Medical Oncology

A 45-year-old woman with a borderline ovarian tumour (serous borderline tumour, stage IA) undergoes unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for fertility preservation. What long-term surveillance is required?

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Correct answer: E — Long-term surveillance with clinical examination, CA-125 and transvaginal ultrasound — recurrence can occur late (>10 years)

Borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) have an excellent prognosis (>95% 10-year survival for stage I) but can recur late (even >10 years). Surveillance includes clinical examination, CA-125 monitoring and pelvic ultrasound. Approximately 7-15% of BOTs recur, and most recurrences are borderline (not invasive). Fertility-sparing surgery (USO) is appropriate for young women with unilateral disease. No adjuvant chemotherapy is indicated for BOTs.

Reference: ESMO 2024 Ovarian Cancer Guidelines; NICE NG; du Bois et al Eur J Cancer 2013