Epithelial ovarian tumors

Ovarian epithelial tumors account for the majority of all ovarian tumors (60-70%) and their malignant forms represent >90% of ovarian cancers . They can range from being benign to highly malignant.

Epidemiology

There is a difference in frequency of ovarian tumor subtypes depending on menopausal status :

  • premenopausal
    • serous (~60%)
    • mucinous (~20%)
    • endometrioid (~10%)
    • clear cell  (~5%)
    • other (~5%)
  • postmenopausal
    • serous (~60%)
    • endometrioid (~12.5%)
    • clear cell (~10%)
    • mucinous (~7.5%)
    • other (~10%)

Pathology

The origin and pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer are poorly understood . Despite extensive studies, no precursor lesions have been found .

Classification

Ovarian epithelial neoplasms are histologically classified according to:

  • resemblance to normal gynecological cell line
    • serous - resembling epithelium lining the Fallopian tubes
    • mucinous - resembling epithelium lining endocervix, containing intracytoplasmic mucin
    • endometrioid - resembling epithelium/stroma of uterine corpus
    • clear cell - comprising clear cells and hobnail cells
  • grade of aggressiveness
    • several grading systems exist, and grading may differ according to histologic type
    • e.g. three-tier FIGO system, two-tier MDACC system for serous tumors
  • A more complete list of ovarian epithelial tumors is as follows:

    * sometimes classified as a separate category rather than under epithelial

    Markers

    Radiographic features

    These can range from being cystic, to solid, to anything in between. As a crude rule, the likelihood of malignancy increases with increasing solid-tissue elements and thicker septae . While there are some common features, there are also many variations and it may be best to refer to subarticles for specific imaging features.

    Siehe auch: