Abstract

The significance of tumor spill in the early stages of ovarian carcinoma has been the subject of controversy. Since rupture of the capsule of the tumor may occur in several different ways, we analyzed all cases of early ovarian cancer treated at Radiumhemmet, Stockholm, Sweden, during the period 1974–1986, in which possible spill of tumor cells was catalogued in different groups. In 247 out of 394 patients (62%) the risk of spill had to be considered. There was no difference in survival between patients whose tumors had intact capsules and patients in whom rupture occurred during surgery—78% and 85%, respectively. On the other hand, a significant difference in survival was found between patients in whom rupture occurred before surgery and those with intraoperative rupture—59% and 85%, respectively. The conclusion can be drawn that manipulation during surgery which results in puncture or rupture does not have a negative influence on the outcome for the patients.