What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Endocervical Type of Ovarian Mucinous Tumor of Low Malignant Potential
• Mucinous Tumor of Borderline Malignancy of Endocervical Type of Ovary

What is Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type? (Definition/Background Information)

• Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type is a rare ovarian tumor with low or borderline malignant potential. The causal factors for Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type are unknown, though genetic mutations have been reported in some cases
• Tumors of the ovaries can be benign, borderline or low malignant potential (LMP), or malignant tumors. Thus, not all ovarian tumors are cancers
• Benign tumors are not cancerous and do not spread or metastasize. Borderline or low malignant potential (LMP) tumors are usually benign, but some of them can behave like cancers. Malignant tumors are cancers that spread and metastasize
• Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type is a slow-growing or rapid-growing epithelial tumor. It can occur as a single cyst or multiple cysts or as a combination of cystic and solid mass. These tumors may also occur in association with some syndromes
• These tumors are considered to be mucinous type of tumors based upon their appearance under a microscope
• Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type usually presents with signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and increased abdominal girth. A few complications may include metastasis to local and distant organs, and side effects from cancer therapy
• The treatment for Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type may involve chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these procedures. The prognosis depends on many factors that include the stage of the tumor
• The prognosis of the condition depends on the stage of the tumor, though generally it is excellent with proper treatment

Who gets Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type can occur worldwide in women of any race or ethnic group, between the ages of 30-60 years.

What are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors, in general, for ovarian cancers include the following. Some individuals may have multiple risk factors that compound the risk for Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type.

• Increasing age: A majority of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over the age of 55 years
• Childbearing status: Studies have found that women, who have had at least one child before the age of 30 years, have a lower risk
• Breastfeeding status: It has been found that women who breastfeed are at a lower risk of ovarian cancer
• Body weight: Women who are overweight are at an increased risk of developing cancer of the ovaries
• Genetics: Women with BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genetic mutations have an elevated risk

Note: Studies have found that currently two mutations in the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes can increase the risk. Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA-1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA-2) are inherited types of mutations. Women with BRCA-1 mutation have a 50% higher risk and women with BRCA-2 mutation have a 20% higher risk of ovarian cancer. However, it is important to note that a majority of women who get Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type do not have either the BRCA-1 or the BRCA-2 gene mutations. Also, the presence of these mutations does not mean that the individual will develop the condition.

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women increases the risk for ovarian cancer
• Family history: Women with a family history of ovarian cancer may have an increased risk
• Past history of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or endometrial cancer: Having a past diagnosis of these cancers increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer
• Smoking: Some studies have shown that long-standing smoking can increase the risk

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type is unknown. In some cases, genetic defects may play a role.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type?

The signs and symptoms of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type depend on a number of factors such as:

• Size of the tumor
• Histological type of tumor
• Whether a single ovary or both the ovaries are involved
• The tumor is a cystic mass or a solid mass
• Whether the tumor produces hormones
• Spread of tumor locally
• Rupture of the cystic mass
• Extent of bleeding within the tumor
• Whether the tumor is present as part of a syndrome. In such cases, the signs and symptoms associated with the accompanying syndrome may exist

Common signs and symptoms associated with Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type may include:

• Abdominal pain (the pain is usually a pelvic pain)
• Abdominal swelling due to the mass or due to fluid accumulation in the belly (called ascites)
• Increased abdominal girth due to fluid accumulation (ascites)
• Persistent feeling of abdominal bloating with nausea or vomiting
• Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation
• Feeling full soon after eating less (having a feeling of satiety after eating less)
• Loss of appetite with weight loss
• Fatigue, feeling tired easily
• Frequent urination (polyuria) and difficulty while urinating
• Frequent pain during sex (dyspareunia)
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding

Some of the other features of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type include:

• Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type is a slow-growing tumor of the ovary. It usually appears as a well-defined single mass in the ovary
• The nodule is typically less than 10 cm in size (along the largest dimension), however some may grow to greater sizes
• Large tumors may occasionally rupture spilling cyst contents into the belly
• These tumors can be locally aggressive, meaning that the tumor may spread to local surrounding areas

How is Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type Diagnosed?

The following are the diagnostic tools for Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type:

• A thorough physical examination with particular emphasis on pelvic examination and a complete medical history is very vital
• Complete blood count (CBC) with differential of white blood cells
• Liver function Test (LFT)
• Blood tests called serum tumor markers that include:
  • CA-125 test
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)        
  • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
  • Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
  • Inhibin (hormone)
  • Estrogen levels
  • Testosterone levels
• Exploratory laparoscopy (diagnostic laparoscopy): This is a procedure wherein the abdomen is examined using a minimally invasive technique. During this procedure, a tissue biopsy and tissue for culture are performed. A minimally invasive approach helps decrease the complications and length of stay at the hospital. A diagnostic laparoscopy is also helpful in the staging of the tumor
• A tissue biopsy of the tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to the laboratory for pathological examination

A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together the clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed), and the microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies that may include immunohistochemical stains, histochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be the gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis.

Radiological imaging studies such as:

• X-ray of the abdomen and pelvic region
• Barium enema x-ray
• CT scan of the abdomen and pelvic region
• MRI scan of abdomen and pelvic region
• Ultrasound scans of the pelvic region; usually transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) and abdominal ultrasound scans are performed

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type?

The complications due to Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type may include:

• There may be a rapid growth of the tumor which may cause the fast-growing tumor to invade into surrounding tissues causing tissue damage. However, distance metastasis of the tumor from its primary site is not very common (even though it can occur)
• Recurrence of the ovarian tumor after surgery
• There may be side effects from the chemotherapy (such as toxicity) and radiation therapy administered

How is Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type Treated?

The treatment of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type may include any of the following - chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. In most cases, a combination of chemotherapy (drugs), radiation therapy, and surgical procedures is employed by the healthcare provider to treat the condition. In many cases, a complete excision of the tumor, usually results in a cure.

• The surgery may involve a total abdominal hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus), removal of both the ovaries and fallopian tubes (called bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy (removal of fat around the intestines), biopsy of lymph nodes within the abdomen, or the removal of other tissues in the pelvis and abdomen as needed
• If the tumor is present in only one ovary, then the surgeon may perform a procedure called unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In this procedure only the affected ovary and fallopian tube are removed; the uterus is not removed (there is no hysterectomy performed). The unaffected ovary and fallopian tube is also not removed
• If the tumors are not completely removed, then they may recur after a period of time. Hence, it is important to completely remove them through surgery, if possible
• Post-operative care is important: A minimal physical activity is advised, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important (to monitor the status of the tumor)

The healthcare provider will determine and plan the best course of treatment on a case-by-case basis.

How can Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type be Prevented?

The cause of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type is unknown. Hence, there are no known methods to prevent the tumor occurrence.

• Early diagnosis with close monitoring and treatment of the tumor is important. A timely tumor recognition and prompt treatment will help in having optimal outcomes
• Due to its metastasizing potential and chances of recurrence, regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, radiological scans, and physical examinations are often needed
• The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) currently does not have any recommendation for screening against ovarian cancer for the general population. Tests such as blood serum CA125 level or trans-vaginal ultrasonography are not really helpful as screening tools
• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer take regular (annual) examinations. The healthcare provider may perform studies such as ultrasonography examinations and CA125 testing as part of one’s annual physical examination

What is the Prognosis of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type is excellent with treatment (on its complete surgical removal)
• The presence of implants (metastasis) in the abdomen or pelvis does not necessarily imply a bad prognosis
• The prognosis is generally good when the lesions are small and found below the ovarian surface. Such tumors also have very low recurrence risk on compete removal through surgery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ovarian Mucinous Borderline Tumor of Endocervical Type:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/