WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 2001: Re: Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer

Re: Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer

From: R. Daniel Braun, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 29 Nov 2001 08:50:29 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Adrienne: "Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer"

At Thu, 29 Nov 2001, Adrienne wrote: >
>I had surgery on Nov 1st to remove a large (9cm) cyst that was
>suspected to be a dermoid cyst. I ended up having the cyst,
>one ovary, and one fallopian tube removed. Preliminary finding was that
>I had a "borderline tumor". I also had some small cysts removed from
>the other
>ovary, and some lymph nodes and endometriotic tissue was also removed.
>I learned yesterday that the lymph nodes and small cysts appear to be
>fine. But now I'm told that within the "borderline tumor," I have
>Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer. I am 37 years old and will never have children.
>There is an extremely strong history of colon cancer in my family.
>Would it be recommended that the intact ovary be removed?
>What differentiates Stage 1 from Stage 2? Thanks so much!

I assume from your description that we a talking about a "LMP" tumor (Low Malignant Potential). This si a tumor that will in only rare (1-5% or less) cases become malignant. i.e. spread to other organs or recur after resection. LMP is not a specific tumor, it is a description of the expected behavior of the tumor. Almost all ovarian tumors have an LMP variation. Stage 1 Means the tumor was limited to one or both ovaries with no spread outside the ovary. To determine this, washings of the peritoneal cavity are done at the time the abdomen is opened and these are sent to the pathologist to look for malignant cells. (These washings must be negative to be Stage 1) Also, the omentum needs to be removed and be negative. Also random samplings of the peritoneum need to be taken from various places including the undersurface of the diaphragm and these all need to be negative as well as all lymph nodes that were sampled. If a Gynecologic Oncologist was involved in your care, I would think that this had been done. If not, it would be a good idea to get a consult with a Gyn Onc specialist.

--
R. Daniel Braun, MD FACOG  FOG

This is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be replacement or substitute for consultation and examination by an appropriate medical professional.  Due to time constraints, private e-mails cannot be answered.

Next message: Rose: "[Birth Control] How long?"
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In reply to: Adrienne: "Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer"

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