This course will focus primarily on practical diagnostic issues concerning surface epithelial tumors of the ovary, with an emphasis on borderline tumors. The following topics will be addressed in detail: 1) serous neoplasms: distinction of borderline tumors and low-grade and high-grade carcinomas, distinction of non-invasive from invasive implants, and new concepts of pathogenesis and nomenclature; 2) mucinous neoplasms: diagnostic criteria, distinction of primary ovarian tumors from metastases with use of ancillary techniques (immunohistochemistry); and 3) endometrioid, clear cell, and transitional cell neoplasms: diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis.

At the end of the course, registrants should be able to: 1) understand modern ideas of pathogenesis of ovarian surface epithelial neoplasms, with an emphasis on the relationship between borderline tumors and carcinomas and their biologic behavior; 2) discuss diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis for ovarian surface epithelial tumors, with an emphasis on distinction of borderline tumors and their variants from low-grade and high-grade carcinomas; and 3) discuss consensus points and persistent controversies regarding nomenclature, diagnosis, and behavior of borderline tumors.

This course is intended for practicing surgical pathologists, including those with an interest in gynecologic pathology. Pre-registrants will receive a website address where they can view digital images and clinical histories in advance for cases to be discussed. A syllabus will be distributed at the course, and after the meeting all participants will receive web access to PowerPoint material along with the text portion of the syllabus.

(LAST SCHEDULED PRESENTATION) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.