A REVIEW OF HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERN OF OVARIAN NEOPLASMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN TEACHING HOSPITAL OVER A 20 YEAR PERIOD (1990-2009)

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian neoplasms can arise from any part of the ovary. They are not
easily detected due to their location in the pelvis and presence of vague symptoms in
patients. In addition, they have been known to be a cause of female infertility, morbidity,
and mortality throughout the world. The ovary is the third most common site of primary
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malignancy in the female genital tract, preceded by cervical cancer and endometrial
cancer.
Aim/Objectives: This study was to determine the histopathological pattern of ovarian
neoplasms at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 20 year period (January
1990- December 2009). This was achieved by determining the total number of ovarian
neoplasms seen during the period, highlighting the various histological sub types of the
tumour, the age distribution and parity of the patients.
Materials and Method: This was a 20 year retrospective study in which data of patients
were retrieved from the histology bench register and case files of the patients diagnosed
for ovarian neoplasm within the period of study. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
stained sections (slides) and paraffin wax blocks of the corresponding cases were
retrieved and examined to confirm the diagnosis. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) was
employed in confirming the diagnosis as necessary.
Results: A total of 186 cases of women with ovarian neoplasms were documented.
There were 79 cases of germ cell tumours which constitute about 43% of ovarian
tumours. Surface epithelial tumours were 65 in all, accounting for 35% of ovarian
tumours. Sex cord stromal tumours recorded were 30, accounting for 16.1% of ovarian
tumours. Only 3 cases of borderline tumours were recorded. Cancer of the ovary was
the 3rd commonest gynaecological malignancy seen. Mature cystic teratoma was the
commonest ovarian neoplasm, followed by serous cystadenoma and fibroma.
Granulosa cell tumour was the commonest malignant tumour of the ovary followed by
serous adenocarcinoma and metastatic tumour to the ovary.

Conclusion: Ovarian neoplasia is a major contributor to gynaecological tumours and
constitutes the 3rd commonest gynaecological malignancy in this study.