i controversial for over a century, in spite of the o acceptance of a borderline category in almost n i all current classifications of ovarian tumors. Typically, borderline tumors are noninvasive n l neoplasms that have nuclear abnormalities and Outcome and reproductive funct e n mitotic activity intermediate between benign and after conservative surgery for malignant tumors of similar cell type. Borderline g t tumors of all surface epithelial cell types have borderline ovarian tumors h o been studied. The most common and best Robert T Morris, David M Gershenson, Elvio f understood are serous borderline tumors and s Silva, Michele Follen, Mitchell Morris, J Tayl mucinous borderline tumors of intestinal type, u Wharton r which are the subject of this review. Some of the Obstetrics & Gynecology 95 (4), 541-547, 20 v most challenging issues for serous tumors i v include: the criteria and clinical behavior of Objective: To study reproductive function an a stromal microinvasion; the high prevalence of disease outcome in women with borderline l synchronous extraovarian disease; the o ovarian tumors who were treated with f classification and histopathologic features of conservative surgery. p associated peritoneal tumor implants, especially a invasive implants; and, the prognostic Methods: Patients with borderline ovarian t i significance of micropapillary tumors. The tumors were identified from institutional e mucinous borderline tumors of intestinal type databases. Patients were eligible if they had n t have a different set of considerations, including: pathologically confirmed borderline ovarian s their frequently heterogeneous composition with tumors, no prior sterilization, no history of w coexisting benign, borderline and malignant radiation therapy, retained their uterus and i t elements; the classification and significance of ovarian tissue, and were younger than age 4 h accompanying noninvasive carcinoma; the Information was acquired by retrospective m recognition of stromal invasion, including medical record review and patient interview. u c microinvasion and expansile invasion; and, the i historically misunderstood relationship to Results: Forty … n o u s c y s t a d e n o c a r c i n o m a o f t