Which single feature on final histology distinguishes a serous borderline tumour (atypical proliferative serous tumour) from a well-differentiated invasive serous carcinoma?
- A Absence of destructive stromal invasion ✓
- B Degree of epithelial stratification and tufting
- C Presence of psammoma bodies
- D Bilaterality of the ovarian tumour
Correct answer: A. Absence of destructive stromal invasion
Explanation
By definition, borderline tumours show epithelial proliferation with cytological atypia but lack destructive invasion of the underlying ovarian stroma; this single criterion separates them from invasive carcinoma. Stratification and tufting occur in borderline lesions themselves, bilaterality and psammoma bodies appear in both categories, and neither predicts invasiveness. Even with non-invasive peritoneal implants, prognosis remains excellent, justifying conservative surgery in young patients.
Reference: Berek and Novak's Gynecology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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