A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman undergoes salpingo-oophorectomy for a 12-cm complex ovarian mass. Histology reveals a borderline serous tumour with micropapillary architecture and no stromal invasion. Which prognostic feature in this tumour confers a higher risk of recurrence and worse outcome?

• A Tumour size > 10 cm
• B Bilateral ovarian involvement
• C Micropapillary or cribriform growth pattern ✓
• D Postmenopausal status

Explanation

Ovarian serous borderline tumours (SBTs) with a micropapillary or cribriform growth pattern (also called non-invasive micropapillary serous carcinoma) are associated with a significantly higher frequency of invasive implants on peritoneal surfaces, bilateral disease, and advanced-stage disease compared to classic SBTs. Studies show that micropapillary SBTs have a higher recurrence rate and may progress to low-grade serous carcinoma. Tumour size and postmenopausal status alone are not independent prognostic factors. Bilateral involvement is more common in micropapillary SBTs but is a consequence rather than an independent driver.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.