Ovarian epithelial tumors of low malignant potential: a case series of 5 adolescent patients

J Pediatr Surg. 2009 Oct;44(10):2023-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2009.06.027.

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian neoplasms are uncommon in pediatric and adolescent patients, accounting for approximately 20% to 30% of ovarian tumors in adolescent females and women younger than 25. Tumors of low malignant potential (LMP) account for a significant proportion of epithelial neoplasms in this patient population. This case series describes 5 adolescent patients, with a mean age of 14.4 +/- 2.4 years, diagnosed with ovarian tumors of LMP at one institution. Between November 2001 and January 2006, 5 patients were diagnosed with ovarian tumors of LMP of 126 patients who had surgery for adnexal masses. All patients underwent initial surgery via laparotomy. Two patients underwent ovarian cystectomy, and 3 had at least a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. One patient had stage IIIc disease, whereas the other 4 patients, not all completely staged, had presumed stage I disease. Three patients developed recurrent ovarian masses on follow-up. Two had recurrent LMP tumors (one bilateral) and one was a benign mucinous cystadenoma. This case series of 5 adolescent patients with ovarian tumors of LMP highlights the importance of considering epithelial neoplasms in any pediatric or adolescent patient with a pelvic mass and supports conservative management, with staging and fertility-sparing surgery; however, appropriate follow-up is essential, as evidenced by 3 of 5 patients exhibiting recurrent ovarian masses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Cystadenoma, Mucinous / diagnosis
  • Cystadenoma, Mucinous / pathology
  • Cystadenoma, Mucinous / surgery
  • Fallopian Tubes / pathology
  • Fallopian Tubes / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial / surgery*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Ovariectomy
  • Ovary / pathology
  • Recurrence
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome