Editing Surface epithelial-stromal tumor (section)

====Prognosis====
The prognosis of a serous tumor, like most neoplasms, depends on 
*degree of differentiation
**this is how closely the tumor cells resemble benign cells
**a well-differentiated tumor closely resembles benign tumors
**a poorly differentiated tumor may not resemble the cell type of origin at all
**a moderately differentiated tumor usually resembles the cell type of origin, but appears frankly malignant
*extension of tumor to other structures
**in particular with serous malignancies, the presence of malignant spread to the peritoneum is important with regard to prognosis.

The [[five-year survival rate]] of [[borderline tumor]]s and malignant tumors confined to the ovaries are 100% and 70% respectively.  If the peritoneum is involved, these rates become 90% and 25%.

While the 5-year survival rates of borderline tumors are excellent, this should not be seen as evidence of cure, as recurrences can occur many years later.