What causes borderline ovarian cancer?

Answer

The etiology of this disease remains unclear because of the small number of cases and the lack of randomized, controlled studies. Based on molecular studies, some mucinous borderline tumors of the ovary may actually represent metastasis from the appendix.

Although none of these has been shown to be statistically significant, factors reportedly linked with borderline tumors include the following:

Oral contraceptive use
Menarche
Age at first pregnancy
Age at first delivery
Menstrual history
Smoking history
Family history of ovarian cancer

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References

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Andrew E Green, MD Consulting Staff, Northeast Georgia Medical Center

Andrew E Green, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Michel E Rivlin, MD Former Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Michel E Rivlin, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, Mississippi State Medical Association, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Warner K Huh, MD Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Senior Scientist, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama School of Medicine

Warner K Huh, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Surgeons, Massachusetts Medical Society, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology

Disclosure: I have received consulting fees for: Merck; THEVAX.

Acknowledgements

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author Laszlo Sogor, MD, to the development and writing of the source article.