Ovarian tumors of low malignant potential.

Ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (LMP) differ from epithelial ovarian carcinoma in etiology, molecular biology, and prognosis. LMP tumors are not precursor lesions to ovarian carcinoma. Treatment is primarily surgical. Women found to have an ovarian tumor of LMP should undergo removal of the involved adnexa; surgical staging; and cytoreductive surgery. Women in the reproductive years should be given the option of conservative surgery, preserving the contralateral adnexa and uterus. There is no proven benefit to adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy after primary surgery. In most cases, the diagnosis of an ovarian tumor of LMP conveys good prognosis, with excellent long-term survival.