These tumors are intermediate-type ovarian epithelial tumors between benign and malignant, characterized by slow growth, low-grade potential malignancy (infiltration) or metastasis, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. Recurrence tends to occur late, mostly 5 to 10 years after treatment, and most recurrences remain borderline. The survival time for advanced-stage and recurrent patients is longer than that for epithelial carcinoma.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

Diagnosis can only be made through pathological examination. About one-third of patients are asymptomatic, with early clinical manifestations similar to benign ovarian tumors, while advanced stages resemble malignant ovarian tumors. Pathological diagnosis follows the criteria established by FIGO and WHO, but specific diagnoses can sometimes still present certain difficulties. Therefore, multiple tissue samples should be taken and carefully examined. The staging is the same as that of malignant ovarian tumors.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Surgery: As the primary treatment, the extent of surgery is determined based on the patient's age, fertility status, and disease staging.
   1. Stage Ia, young and nulliparous patients: Resect the affected adnexa, explore and preserve the contralateral ovary if biopsy is negative. Postoperative chemotherapy is not required if peritoneal washing cytology and multiple peritoneal biopsies are negative.
   2. Stage Ia, older patients with no fertility requirements: Perform total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy. Appendectomy may be performed simultaneously.
   3. Stage Ib and Ic: Regardless of age, perform total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy. Appendectomy may be performed simultaneously.
   4. Stage II and above: Perform total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, appendectomy, and tumor debulking surgery.
2. Chemotherapy: As adjuvant therapy, postoperative chemotherapy is recommended for stage Ic and above. The chemotherapy regimen is the same as for epithelial ovarian cancer, with 3–6 courses depending on the condition. Additional courses may be administered if necessary.