Objective: To determine the place of imaging, tumour markers, type of treatment and surgical route, follow-up, delivery mode, and re-staging in case of BOT during pregnancy, in order to provide guidelines.
Method: A systematic bibliographical analysis on BOT during pregnancy was performed through a PUDMED search on articles published from 1990 to 2019 using keywords « borderline ovarian tumour and pregnancy ».
Results: Pelvic ultrasound is the gold standard and first-line examination for the detection and characterization of adnexal masses during pregnancy (grade C). Pelvic MRI is recommended from 12 gestational weeks in case of indeterminate adnexal masses and should be concluded by a diagnostic score (grade C). Gadolinium injection should be minimized because of proven risk to the fetus and should be discussed on a case-by-case basis after patient information (grade C). In the absence of data in the literature, it is not possible to recommend the use of any tumour marker for the diagnosis of BOT during pregnancy. In case of a surgical treatment of BOT during pregnancy, there is insufficient evidence to recommend either a cystectomy or an oophorectomy. For BOT, the laparoscopic approach should be preferred during pregnancy if it is feasible (grade C). Surgical route and type of surgery should be chosen after taking into account the tumour size, the obstetrical term, and the subsequent desire for pregnancy, following discussion in a multidisciplinary meeting. In the absence of sufficient data in the literature, it is not possible to make any recommendation on the follow-up of a BOT suspected during pregnancy. There is not enough evidence in the literature to change obstetrical management for delivery in patients with BOT. In case of incomplete staging of a BOT treated during pregnancy, restaging can be discussed as for non-pregnant patients (grade C).
Conclusion: The diagnosis of BOT occurring during pregnancy remains rare despite systematic screening of adnexal masses in the first trimester of pregnancy and an increasing maternal age. There is limited data in the literature concerning the management of BOT during pregnancy. All decisions must be taken after discussion in a multidisciplinary meeting.