The following information may help to address your question:
What is a Brenner tumor of the ovary?
Brenner tumor of the ovary is a solid, abnormal growth (tumor) on the ovary. Most Brenner tumors are not cancerous (benign). About 5% of Brenner tumors are cancerous (malignant) or have a small chance of spreading beyond its original location (borderline).
[1][2][3] These tumors most often occur in women after menopause. They usually do not cause symptoms unless they are very large.
[1][3][4] When symptoms are present, they may include abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding.
[2] The cause of Brenner tumors is unknown. They are usually found by accident during surgery for another reason or during a routine doctor's examination. The diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of a piece of tumor obtained by a surgical
biopsy. Treatment usually consists of surgery to remove the tumor.
[2][3][4] If a Brenner tumor has not spread into surrounding
tissues or to more distant parts of the body, there is a good-to-excellent long-term outcome.
[1][2]
Last updated: 10/25/2018
What are the signs and symptoms of a Brenner tumor of the ovary?
Most Brenner tumors do not cause any symptoms.
[1][2] If the tumor is quite large, it may cause pain or discomfort in one side of the abdomen.
[3] Women who are post-menopausal may experience vaginal bleeding as a symptom.
[2][3] If the Brenner tumor is malignant (cancerous), it may cause symptoms similar to other types of ovarian
cancer, including abdominal swelling and difficulty with bladder control.
[5]
Last updated: 10/25/2018
Are Brenner tumors of the ovary benign?
Most Brenner tumors of the ovary are
benign and do not spread into surrounding tissues.
[1] Approximately 1-2% of these tumors can become
malignant and may spread into surrounding tissues or to more distant parts of the body.
[6]
Last updated: 1/11/2012
How is a Brenner tumor of the ovary diagnosed?
Approximately 90% of Brenner tumors of the ovary are first discovered by chance during surgery, a routine
pelvic exam or an
ultrasound.
[1][2][3][4] Brenner tumors are ultimately diagnosed by a surgical biopsy. Brenner tumors have specific microscopic findings that help guide diagnosis. Blood test for specific
tumor markers may also be helpful.
[4][5]
Last updated: 10/25/2018
What treatments might be available for Brenner tumors of the ovary?
Treatment of Brenner tumors of the ovary usually consists of surgery to remove the tumor.
[2][3][4][5] If the tumor is found to be cancerous, it may be necessary to do more extensive surgery, including removing both ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus (total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), followed by
chemotherapy or radiation. The age of the woman and whether she has a hereditary cancer
syndrome may be factors in deciding the best course of treatment.
[5] For women who are past the age of menopause, it is recommended that both ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus be removed. Younger women may want to consider less surgery to help preserve fertility and keep one working ovary.
[4] Additional treatment may depend on the stage of the cancer and the extent it has spread beyond the ovary.
Last updated: 10/25/2018
What is the long-term outlook for individuals with Brenner tumors of the ovary?
For individuals with non-cancerous Brenner tumors, and no other findings, there is a good to excellent long-term outlook. While Brenner tumors usually don't recur, one study showed that in about 28% of cases, the tumor comes back after it is removed.
[1][3][5]
The long-term outlook for individuals with cancerous or borderline Brenner tumors depends on the stage of the cancer when it is diagnosed and if the cancer has spread beyond the ovary. In general, the earlier the tumor is diagnosed and the less it has spread, the better the outcome.
[5]
Last updated: 10/25/2018
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