Primary Peritoneal Serous Borderline Tumors

Abstract

Abstract Context.—Primary peritoneal serous borderline tumor is a rare epithelial proliferation that can present as an incidental finding at laparotomy and raises concern for a primary ovarian tumor with peritoneal implants. Objective.—To present a brief history of this condition and describe its distinctive histology and clinical presentation, as well as to review the chief differential diagnostic considerations, to include mesothelial proliferations, endosalpingiosis, endometriosis, high-grade primary peritoneal papillary serous carcinoma, and implants from primary ovarian serous neoplasms. Data Sources.—Relevant articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) between 1966 and 2005, references thereof, and reference surgical pathology texts. Conclusions.—Primary peritoneal serous borderline tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an epithelial proliferation with prominent psammoma bodies on the peritoneal surface of specimens submitted for nongynecologic complaints.