Benign Brenner tumour

by Emily Goebel, MD FRCPC
June 6, 2022

What is a benign Brenner tumour?

A benign Brenner tumour is a rare non-cancerous ovarian 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.

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.

Are there other types of Brenner tumours?

Yes, there are two other types of Brenner tumours called borderline Brenner tumour and malignant Brenner tumour.

1. Borderline Brenner tumour – This type of Brenner tumour is still considered a non-cancerous ovarian tumour. However, it can grow back in the same area as the original tumour.
2. Malignant Brenner tumour – This type of Brenner tumour is a type of ovarian cancer. When examined under the microscope the tumour cells look very similar to a type of bladder cancer called urothelial carcinoma.