Objective: To evaluate the rate of recurrence after conservative treatment of Stage 1 borderline ovarian tumors.
Methods: Retrospective case note review of all women with borderline ovarian tumours diagnosed at Aberdeen, U.K. and loannina, Greece between 1981-1993. Outcome measures comprised initial surgery, stage of disease, histological type, pregnancy rate, recurrence rate and disease-free interval.
Results: Conservative surgery for borderline tumours in young women permitted high conception rates. Recurrence of tumour was high in this group, 71%, and presented late.
Conclusion: Prolonged intensive follow-up is required for women treated conservatively for borderline malignant ovarian tumours.