Clinicopathologic study of malignant ovarian tumors: A study of fifty cases

Abstract

Background: Malignant ovarian tumors have worst prognosis among all gynecological malignancies and highest case fatality rate. There is a steady increase in the age-standardized incidence rate in India. Most cases are diagnosed late when the symptoms such as abdominal distension become apparent. Objective: The aim is to study the histomorphological features of malignant tumors of the ovary and to find out the frequency of various malignant ovarian tumors with respect to age and clinical features. Subjects and Methods: Fifty malignant ovarian tumors were included in the study. Clinical and histomorphological features were studied and correlated. Results: Maximum number of malignant ovarian tumors occurred in between 50–60 years and 21–30 years of age. Pain and lump in the abdomen was the most common presenting symptom. Right ovary was commonly involved. CA-125 blood levels were elevated in 54% of cases. Ultrasound and color Doppler examinations showed irregular solid tumor, ascites, papillary structures, large multilocular solid tumor, and high Doppler content. Histopathology diagnosis was aided by immunohistochemistry. Maximum malignant tumors (n = 31) were surface epithelial tumors, and serous cystadenocarcinoma was most common. Conclusion: Malignant ovarian tumors are the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy in females. Clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and other ancillary investigations such as CA-125 are the keys in establishing the preoperative diagnosis of malignant ovarian tumors. Malignant surface epithelial tumors are most common, and serous cystadenocarcinoma is the most common histological type.