Borderline Ovarian Surface Epithelial-Stromal Tumor

Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of ovarian low-malignant potential tumors.Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors (PDQ®): TreatmentOvarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors Treatment

General Information About Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors

Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease in which precancerous cells (cells that may, or are likely to, become cancer) form in the tissue covering the ovary.

Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is considered precancerous (or premalignant), a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer. This disease seldom spreads beyond the ovary. When disease is found in one ovary, the other ovary also should be checked carefully for signs of disease.

The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs function).



Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:


The stage of the cancer (whether it affects part of the ovary, involves the whole ovary, or has spread to other places in the body).
The type of cancer.
The size of the tumor.
The patient’s general health.



In most cases, ovarian low malignant potential tumor can be treated successfully.

These tumors are usually found early. Most women, however, survive even advanced stage ovarian low malignant potential tumors. Patients who do not survive usually die from complications of the disease (such as a small bowel obstruction) or the side effects of treatment, but rarely because the tumor has spread.