Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a condition in which cells that may become cancer form in the thin layer of tissue that covers an ovary (female reproductive gland in which eggs are made). In this condition, tumor cells rarely spread outside of the ovary. Also called ovarian borderline malignant tumor.
Female Reproductive System
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About
Ovarian Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of gynecologic cancers. More than 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year, with more than 15,000 deaths. A particular blood protein called cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer, though small amounts of CA-125 are produced by normal tissues throughout the body and levels of CA-125 can be elevated by other conditions. The CA-125 test is used primarily to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for ovarian cancer. There are three different kinds of ovarian cancer: the most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer (90%) which originates from the surface epithelium of the ovary and is more likely to affect older women; germ cell ovarian cancer (5%), which originates from the cells that produce eggs and is more likely to affect younger women; and stromal ovarian cancer (5%), which originates from the connective tissue within the ovary. After age, the most important risk factor for ovarian cancer is family history. Ovarian cancer is relatively uncommon, but is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women, partly due to diagnosis difficulty; its symptoms are vague, and ovarian cancer can shed cells that can invade other internal organs long before the presence of disease is even suspected.
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What Is Low Malignant Potential Tumor?
Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease in which abnormal cells form inthe tissue covering the ovary.
Ovarian low malignant potential tumors have abnormal cells that may become cancer, but usually do not. This disease usually remains in theovary. When disease is found in oneovary, the other ovary should also be checked carefully for signs ofdisease.
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the femalereproductive system. They arein the pelvis, one on eachside of the uterus (the hollow,pear-shaped organ where a fetusgrows). Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovariesmake eggs and female hormones.
Anatomy of the female reproductive system. The organs in the female reproductive system include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. The uterus has a muscular outer layer called the myometrium and an inner lining called the endometrium.
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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Ovarian surface papillary serous tumor
Ovarian surface papillary serous tumor of low malignant potential
This surface papillary serous tumor of low malignant potential in an oöphorectomy specimen is shot with two techniques. In each photo the ovary is in the center and sports a well-developed corpus luteum in the upper right. The papillary tumor completely surrounds the ovary. This was one of a set of bilateral tumors. The patient had multiple noninvasive peritoneal implants. The image above is shot with conventional copy stand technique and gives maximum resolution.
Image by Photograph by Ed Uthman, MD./Wikimedia
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Ovarian surface papillary serous tumor
Photograph by Ed Uthman, MD./Wikimedia
Symptoms
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Female Experiencing Pelvic Pain
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Female Experiencing Pelvic Pain
Three-dimensional visualization reconstructed from scanned human data. Lateral view of seated female figure holding abdomen as a result of pelvic pain, with bones, uterus, and vagina visible. Pelvic pain can result from problems such as uterine fibroids (benign muscular tumors of the uterine wall), endometriosis (the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus), vaginismus (uncontrolled spasming of the outer vagina), and dyspareunia, or pain during sex. Dysparenunia is one of the three most common forms of female sexual dysfunction, along with lack of interest in sex and inability to achieve orgasm. The most common form of dyspareunia is vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS), where women are extremely sensitive to sensation on the vulva or surrounding glands, and particularly to penetration.
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What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors?
Signs and symptoms of ovarian low malignant potential tumor include pain or swelling in the abdomen.
Ovarian low malignant potential tumor may not cause early signs or symptoms. If you do have signs or symptoms, they may include the following:
Pain or swelling in the abdomen.
Pain in the pelvis.
Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, or constipation.
These signs and symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If they get worse or do not go away on their own, check with your doctor.
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Diagnosis
Pelvic ultrasound
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Pelvic ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound, a procedure that uses sound waves to look at organs and structures inside the pelvic region
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How Are Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumor Diagnosed and Staged?
Tests that examine the ovaries are used to diagnose and stage ovarian low malignant potential tumor.
The following tests and procedures may be used:
Physical exam and health history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
Pelvic exam: An exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and the doctor or nurse looks at the vagina and cervix for signs of disease. A Pap test of the cervix is usually done. The doctor or nurse also inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and places the other hand over the lower abdomen to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. The doctor or nurse also inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or abnormal areas.Pelvic exam. A doctor or nurse inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and presses on the lower abdomen with the other hand. This is done to feel the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. The vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, and rectum are also checked.
Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. The picture can be printed to be looked at later.Abdominal ultrasound. An ultrasound transducer connected to a computer is passed over the surface of the abdomen. The ultrasound transducer bounces sound waves off internal organs and tissues to make echoes that form a sonogram (computer picture).Other patients may have a transvaginal ultrasound.EnlargeTransvaginal ultrasound. An ultrasound probe connected to a computer is inserted into the vagina and is gently moved to show different organs. The probe bounces sound waves off internal organs and tissues to make echoes that form a sonogram (computer picture).
CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
CA 125 assay: A test that measures the level of CA 125 in the blood. CA 125 is a substance released by cells into the bloodstream. An increased CA 125 level is sometimes a sign of cancer or other condition.
Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. The tissue is usually removed during surgery to remove the tumor.
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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Cancer Imaging
Medical imaging technology has revolutionized the screening, study and treatment of cancer. Imaging is used before, during, and after cancer treatment: Screening. Generally used for people at increased risk of certain types of cancer, screening can help determine if there are abnormal areas present that may be cancerous.
Diagnosis and staging. Imaging can be used to find out how much cancer is in the body, where it’s located, and if it’s metastasized. Imaging can also be used as an aid in biopsy, to guide the doctors to the tumor.
Treatment. Imaging can help to guide cancer treatments by exactly determining tumor location, so that treatment can focus on the tumor alone to minimize damage to nearby tissue. Imaging can also show if a treatment is working by showing if a tumor is shrinking, has changed, or is using less of the body’s resources.
Monitoring for recurrence. After treatment, imaging can be used to see if a cancer has recurred or if it has metastasized elsewhere.
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Cancer Imaging
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Stages
Cancer staging
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Cancer staging
Staging Cancer : Staging is the process of finding out the amount of cancer in the body and if it has spread. Most tumorous cancers are staged using the TNM system. In the TNM system, T = extent of the primary tumor, N = extent of spread to lymph nodes, M = presence of metastasis. After the TNM description has been decided, the cancer can be designated as Stage 0-IV. Stage 0 =carcinoma in situ. In Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III, higher numbers indicate more extensive disease, ie, greater tumor size, and/or spread of the cancer to nearby lymph nodes, and/or organs adjacent to the primary tumor. In Stage IV, the cancer has spread to another organ.
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Stages of Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors
After ovarian low malignant potential tumor has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if abnormal cells have spread within the ovary or to other parts of the body.
The process used to find out whether abnormal cells have spread within theovary or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know thestage in order toplan treatment. Certain tests or procedures are used for staging. Staging laparotomy (a surgicalincision made in the wall of theabdomen to remove ovarian tissue)may be used. Most patients are diagnosed with stageI disease.
The following stages are used for ovarian low malignant potential tumor:
Stage I
In stage I, the tumor is found in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes. Stage I is divided into stage IA, stage IB, and stage IC.
Stage IA: The tumor is found inside a single ovary or fallopian tube.
Stage IB: The tumor is found inside both ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Stage IC: The tumor is found inside one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes and one of the following is true:
tumor cells are found on the outside surface of one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes; or
the capsule (outer covering) of the ovary ruptured (broke open) before or during surgery; or
tumor cells are found in the fluid of the peritoneal cavity (the body cavity that contains most of the organs in the abdomen) or in washings of the peritoneum (tissue lining the peritoneal cavity).
Stage II
In stage II, the tumor is found in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes and has spread into other areas of the pelvis, or primary peritoneal cancer is found within the pelvis. Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB.
Stage IIA: The tumor has spread from where it first formed to the uterus and/or the fallopian tubes and/or the ovaries.
Stage IIB: The tumor has spread from the ovary or fallopian tube to organs in the peritoneal cavity (the space that contains the abdominal organs).
Stage III
Tumor sizes are often measured in centimeters (cm) or inches. Common food items that can be used to show tumor size in cm include: a pea (1 cm), a peanut (2 cm), a grape (3 cm), a walnut (4 cm), a lime (5 cm or 2 inches), an egg (6 cm), a peach (7 cm), and a grapefruit (10 cm or 4 inches).
In stage III, the tumor is found in one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes, or is primary peritoneal cancer, and has spread outside the pelvis to other parts of the abdomen and/or to nearby lymph nodes.Stage III is divided into stage IIIA, stage IIIB, and stage IIIC.
In stage IIIA, one of the following is true:
The tumor has spread to lymph nodes in the area outside or behind the peritoneum only; or
Tumor cells that can be seen only with a microscope have spread to the surface of the peritoneum outside the pelvis. The tumor may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IIIB: The tumor has spread to the peritoneum outside the pelvis and the tumor in the peritoneum is 2 centimeters or smaller. The tumor may have spread to lymph nodes behind the peritoneum.
Stage IIIC: The tumor has spread to the peritoneum outside the pelvis and the tumor in the peritoneum islarger than 2 centimeters. The tumor may have spread to lymph nodes behind the peritoneum or to the surface of the liver or spleen.
Stage IV
In stage IV, tumor cells have spread beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body. Stage IV is divided into stage IVA and stage IVB.
Stage IVA: Tumor cells are found in extra fluid that builds up around the lungs.
Stage IVB: The tumor has spread to organs and tissues outside the abdomen, including lymph nodes in the groin.
Ovarian low malignant potential tumors can recur (come back) after they have been treated.
The tumors may come back in the other ovary or in other parts of thebody.
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Treatment
Treating Cancer
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Treating Cancer
Because cancers differ from one another in many ways, and because each patient is unique, there isn`t just one approach to treatment. Cancer treatment aims to eliminate the primary tumor, prevent the recurrence or spread of the cancer, and relieve symptoms. Types of cancer treatment include surgery; radiation therapy, which targets specific cancer cells; chemotherapy, which targets cancer cells throughout the body; and biological therapy, which works with the body`s own immune system. If you have cancer, it`s important to educate yourself about the type of cancer you have and the options for its treatment so that you can make informed decisions.
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How Are Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Treated?
There are different types of treatment for patients with ovarian low malignant potential tumor.
Different types of treatment are available for patients withovarian lowmalignant potentialtumor. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and someare being tested in clinical trials.A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to helpimprove current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patientswith cancer, tumors, and related conditions. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than thestandard treatment, the newtreatment may become the standard treatment. Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.
Two types of standard treatment are used:
Surgery
The type of surgery (removing thetumor in an operation) depends onthe size and spread of the tumor and the woman’s plans for having children. Surgerymay include the following:
Unilateralsalpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery to remove one ovary and one fallopian tube.
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
Total hysterectomy andbilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, and both ovaries and fallopian tubes. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through the vagina, the operation is called a vaginal hysterectomy. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through a large incision (cut) in the abdomen, the operation is called a total abdominal hysterectomy. If the uterus and cervix are taken out through a small incision (cut) in the abdomen using a laparoscope, the operation is called a total laparoscopic hysterectomy.Hysterectomy. The uterus is surgically removed with or without other organs or tissues. In a total hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. In a total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy, (a) the uterus plus one (unilateral) ovary and fallopian tube are removed; or (b) the uterus plus both (bilateral) ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. In a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, both ovaries, both fallopian tubes, and nearby tissue are removed. These procedures are done using a low transverse incision or a vertical incision.
Partial oophorectomy: Surgery to remove part of one ovary or part of both ovaries.
Omentectomy:Surgery to remove the omentum (a piece of the tissue lining the abdominal wall).
After the doctor removes all disease that can be seen at thetime of the surgery, the patient may be given chemotherapy after surgery to kill any tumorcells that are left. Treatment givenafter the surgery, to lower the risk that the tumor will come back, is calledadjuvant therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
For some patients, taking part in a clinical trial may be the best treatment choice. Clinical trials are part of the medical research process. Clinical trials are done to find out if new treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment.
Many of today's standard treatments for disease are based on earlier clinical trials. Patients who take part in a clinical trial may receive the standard treatment or be among the first to receive a new treatment.
Patients who take part in clinical trials also help improve the way diseases will be treated in the future. Even when clinical trials do not lead to effective new treatments, they often answer important questions and help move research forward.
Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their treatment.
Some clinical trials only include patients who have not yet received treatment. Other trials test treatments for patients whose disease has not gotten better. There are also clinical trials that test new ways to stop a disease from recurring (coming back) or reduce the side effects of treatment.
Follow-up tests may be needed.
Some of the tests that were done to diagnose the disease may be repeated. Some tests will be repeated in order to see how well the treatment is working. Decisions about whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may be based on the results of these tests. This is sometimes called re-staging.
Some of the tests will continue to be done from time to time after treatment has ended. The results of these tests can show if your condition has changed or if the disease has recurred (come back). These tests are sometimes called follow-up tests or check-ups.
Source: Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version - National Cancer Institute
Stage I and II
Treatment of Early Stage Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors (Stage I and II)
Surgery is the standard treatment for early stage ovarian lowmalignant potential tumor. The type of surgery usually depends onwhether a woman plans to have children.
For women who plan to have children, surgery is either:
unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy; or
partial oophorectomy.
To prevent recurrence ofdisease, most doctors recommend surgery to remove the remaining ovarian tissuewhen a woman no longer plans to have children.
For women who do not plan to have children, treatment maybe hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Stage III and IV
Treatment of Late Stage Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors (Stage III and IV)
Treatment for late stage ovarian low malignant potential tumor may be hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, andomentectomy. A lymph node dissection may also be done.
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Prognosis
Prognosis Icon
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Prognosis Icon
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What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors?
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:
The stage of thedisease (whether it affects part of theovary, involves the whole ovary, or has spread to other places in the body).
What type of cells make up the tumor.
The size of the tumor.
The patient’s general health.
Patients with ovarian low malignant potential tumors have a good prognosis, especially when the tumor is found early.
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Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors
Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a condition in which cells that may become cancer form in the thin layer of tissue that covers an ovary (female reproductive gland in which eggs are made). In this condition, tumor cells rarely spread outside of the ovary. Also called ovarian borderline malignant tumor.