Border tumors

Frontier tumors are tumors of epithelial origin (like the most common ovarian cancers), but these tumors are not cancerous. They are intermediate between benign tumor and malignant tumor, hence their name of border tumor (borderline in English). They can, like cancers, give implants on the peritoneum or abdominal organs.

These tumors have a better prognosis than epithelial cancers.
They appear in younger women than ovarian cancer.
They are most often diagnosed at an early stage, with involvement limited to one ovary. They are biologically much less aggressive than cancers.
Their prognosis is most often very good, provided that they have been correctly diagnosed and operated on (there is no indication of chemotherapy for these diseases).
This requires “identifying” them among ovarian cysts. Diagnosis is based on clinical data, second-line ultrasound, MRI and marker assay.

Finally, it is essential that the diagnosis be confirmed by a pathologist trained in this pathology, and the treatment decided by a Multidisciplinary Consultation Meeting (RCP) also trained, which will offer care adapted to the latest standards.


Fertility-preserving treatment can be offered to women with an early stage who do not have any pejorative histological factors.

If the tumor is extended outside the ovaries, the excision of all the implants is necessary and can lead to a major intervention. However, these cases are rare.

Regular monitoring is necessary after treatment to check for recurrence. This monitoring must be continued for many years because late recurrences may occur.