Borderline ovarian tumors

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) are clinically and morphologically defined as being between cell-specific benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The hypothesis of a continuous carcinogenesis is theoretically supported by a model of the genesis of malignant ovarian tumors. The transferability to various ovarian malignancies has not yet been finally explained but the model also has relevant implications for the management of BUT. Women in child-bearing age are disproportionally more often affected by BOT so that the question of therapy is basically concerned with maintaining fertility. In addition to age and FIGO stage, cytoreduction by the primary operation seems to be the deciding prognostic factor and the residual postoperative tumor mass is an independent prognosis factor. In addition to these aspects the current situation with respect to BOT and prognosis will be discussed.