by Emily Goebel, MD FRCPC
March 6, 2023
What is a benign Brenner tumour?
A benign Brenner tumour is a rare non-cancerous ovarian tumour. The tumour starts from the cells normally found on the outside surface of the ovary.
What are the symptoms of a benign Brenner tumour?
These tumours may not cause any symptoms and may only be recognized by your pathologist after the ovary has been removed for other reasons. Occasionally benign Brenner tumours can be large, causing symptoms such as pelvic pain.
What is the difference between a benign Brenner tumour and a malignant Brenner tumour?
A benign Brenner tumour is a non-cancerous type of tumour that will not metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. In contrast, a malignant Brenner tumour is a type of ovarian cancer made of very abnormal-looking cells that can metastasize to other parts of the body.
How is the diagnosis of benign Brenner tumour made?
The diagnosis of benign Brenner tumour can be made after the tumour is removed and tissue is examined under the microscope by a pathologist. Microscopically the tumour is made up of specialized epithelial cells that resemble the transitional-type epithelium formally found in the bladder. Benign Brenner tumours are usually solid tumours although the inside of some tumours may show small spaces called cysts. Mitotic figures (tumour cells dividing to create new tumour cells) are rare and there is no evidence of invasion into the connective tissue surrounding the tumour cells.
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