HISTOPATHOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF OVARIAN NEOPLASMS IN SURGICAL PATHOLOGY SPECIMENS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Ovarian neoplasms represent a significant cause of gynecological morbidity and mortality worldwide, with diverse histopathological patterns that vary across age groups and populations.

Objective: To determine the histopathological spectrum and distribution of ovarian neoplasms in surgical pathology specimens at a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Histopathology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University affiliated with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore,from March 2025 to June 2025. A total of 180 ovarian specimens were included. Tissues were processed using standard histopathological techniques and classified according to WHO criteria. Demographic and pathological variables, including tumor type, subtype, grade, stage, and laterality, were recorded.

Results: The mean age was 41.8 ± 15.6 years, with most patients in the 21–40 years group (41.1%). Surface epithelial tumors were the most common (74.4%), followed by germ cell (15.6%) and sex cord–stromal tumors (8.9%). Benign lesions predominated (70.0%), whereas malignant lesions accounted for 22.2%. Serous cystadenoma (30.0%) was the most frequent benign tumor, and serous carcinoma (11.1%) was the leading malignancy. Germ cell tumors were more common in younger females, whereas epithelial tumors were more common with age. Most malignant tumors were high-grade (65.0%) and presented at stage III (40.0%), with positive peritoneal cytology in 45.0% of cases.

Conclusion: Surface epithelial tumors constitute the majority of ovarian neoplasms, with benign lesions being more frequent overall. However, malignant tumors often present at advanced stages and exhibit aggressive features.