A 34-year-old woman undergoes cystectomy for a 6 cm ovarian mass. Final histology shows stratified atypical epithelial cells with mild nuclear atypia forming papillae, tufting and exfoliated cell clusters, but no destructive stromal invasion. Peritoneal washings are negative. Which statement about her tumour is correct?

• A It cannot recur once completely excised by cystectomy
• B Such tumours never metastasise outside the ovary
• C Invasive peritoneal implants carry the same prognosis as invasive low-grade serous carcinoma confined to the ovary
• D Non-invasive peritoneal implants, if found later, still confer a good prognosis ✓

Explanation

Borderline (low malignant potential) serous tumours lack stromal invasion but can be accompanied by peritoneal implants. Non-invasive implants carry an excellent prognosis, whereas invasive implants behave like low-grade serous carcinoma and worsen outcome significantly. Recurrence after cystectomy is well documented even with complete excision, so long-term surveillance is required.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.