Histopathological spectrum of ovarian tumours- A two year retrospective study

Introduction: Almost 80% of the ovarian neoplasms are benign and it is also a common site for primary malignancy, although metastasis to ovaries can also occur. Benign ovarian neoplasms are common in 20-45 years age group. Nulliparity, family history of cancer and genetic mutations are some of the risk factors associated with the development of ovarian neoplasms. Sex cord stromal tumours(SCST) are almost always unilateral while metastatic tumours tend to be bilateral. Most of the benign surface epithelial tumours are cystic while solid tumours with papillary projections seen on gross examination make a diagnosis of malignancy likely. However, microscopic features exhibited by these tumours help in making an accurate diagnosis. Objective: The present two year retrospective study was carried out in the histopathology department of our diagnostic centre from January 2015 to December 2016 to analyse the frequency and histopathological spectrum of ovarian tumours in our setting. Materials and Method: This was a two year retrospective study carried out between January 2015 to December 2016.A total of 146 cases of ovarian specimens were received in formalin in the histopatholgy department .The gross findings were noted and the sections were subjected to paraffin embedding and Hand E staining using standard protocols. The tumours were classified as surface epithelial tumours(SET), sex cord stromal tumours (SST) and germ cell tumours(GCT). The data so obtained was analysed for frequency of these tumours in different age groups. Results: Of the 119 ovarian tumors, 109(91.5%) were benign and 10(8.5%) were malignant. Surface epithelial tumors were most common i.e., 83/ 119(69.7%) followed by germ cell tumors which were 29 out of 119(24.4%), while sex cord stromal tumour were 7 / 119(5.4%). Out of all ovarian neoplasms, serous surface epithelial tumors were the most commonly occurring tumour followed by mature cystic teratomas. Conclusion: Benign ovarian tumours are far more common than their malignant counterparts with surface epithelial tumours being the commonest followed by germ cell tumours, majority presenting in 31-40 years age group. A proper histological diagnosis provides help to the gynaecologist in initiating proper and timely treatment.