Proliferative and malignant Brenner tumors. Review of 47 cases

The Brenner tumor has been promoted as a relatively rare benign ovarian neoplasia. During the past three decades, the recognition of 'malignant' and 'proliferating' variants has produced controversy and conflict as to the histopathologic criteria for definite diagnosis of these lesions and, more importantly, as to their relationship to 'the controversial ovarian tumor'. The opportunity to study 47 cases of malignant and proliferative Brenner tumors is the subject of this article. Histopathologic criteria for diagnosis, histogenesis, and clinical significance of these unique tumors are discussed.