Low-malignant potential (LMP) epithelial tumors of the ovary are a group which occupy an intermediate position between the benign and those of the frankly malignant ovarian neoplasms. The actual incidence, present age and treatment are still being discussed. During the period 1991-1996, from the 650 ovarian tumors which were diagnosed and treated in our institution, 401 were epithelial tumors. The LMP serous epithelial tumors consisted of 4.36% of all serous tumors while LMP mucinous tumors were 9.70% of all mucinous tumors. The LMP serous tumors had an 8 cm diameter on average, 83% were unilocular and 76.5% unilateral. The LMP mucinous tumors had a 17 cm diameter on average, 95% were multilocular and 95% unilateral. The mean age at diagnosis was 39 years for LMP serous tumors and 48 years for LMP mucinous tumors.
PIP: The incidence and clinical features of low-malignant potential (LMP) epithelial tumors of the ovary were investigated in a review of the 650 ovarian tumor cases diagnosed and treated at the University of Crete (Greece) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1991-96. 401 of these cases were epithelial tumors. Of these, 282 (70.32%) were benign, 96 (23.94%) were malignant, and 23 (5.74%) were LMP. LMP serous epithelial tumors accounted for 4.36% of all serous tumors while LMP mucinous tumors contributed 9.70% of the mucinous tumors. LMP serous tumors averaged 8 cm in diameter; 83% were unilocular and 76.5% were unilateral. LMP mucinous tumors averaged 17 cm in diameter; 95% were multilocular and 95% were unilateral. The primary presenting symptoms were pelvic pain (35%), palpable mass (30%), and menstrual aberrations (15%). Only 1 case of extra-ovarian metastasis was reported. The mean age at diagnosis was 39 years for LMP serous tumors and 48 years for LMP mucinous tumors. Prognosis for women with stage I ovarian tumors of LMP is excellent, with a 99% survival rate.