Histopathological Spectrum of Ovarian Tumours in a Tertiary Care Centre in South Kerala, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian tumours are among the most common tumours in females, exhibiting diverse histopathological patterns that remain crucial for early diagnosis. Proper classification of ovarian neoplasms, particularly malignant ones, is essential for accurate treatment. Accurately subclassifying ovarian tumours aids in treatments such as targeted therapy. Aim: To examine the histopathological spectrum of ovarian tumours and to assess the role of histopathology in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on the histopathological spectrum of ovarian tumours was conducted in Department of Pathology, Travancore Medical College, Kollam, Kerala, India, over a five-year period (January 2017 to December 2021). The study included 850 ovarian specimens, and the various histopathological patterns were studied according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of ovarian tumours, 5th edition, 2020. These patterns and age distribution were expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: Out of the 850 ovarian specimens, 140 were neoplastic and 710 were non neoplastic. Abdominal pain was the most common clinical presentation (30%). Among the 140 neoplastic cases, 115 were benign, 20 were malignant, and five were borderline. The majority of cases, including benign, borderline, and malignant tumours, were seen in the age group of 31-40 years (25.71%). Benign tumours were more common than malignant ones in all age groups. Categorising based on histopathological patterns, epithelial tumours were the most common (88 cases, 62.86%). Serous cystadenoma was the most common benign tumour, constituting 36 out of 115 benign cases (25.71%). Borderline serous tumour was the most common borderline epithelial tumour (3 out of total 5 borderline ovarian neoplasms, 2.14%). Serous cystadenocarcinoma was the most common malignant tumour (5 cases, 03.57%). Conclusion: The wide spectrum of ovarian tumours presents diagnostic challenges. Effective therapeutic management of ovarian malignant tumours continues to be a challenge for clinicians. Histopathological examination remains crucial in diagnosis. Accurate histopathological diagnosis, combined with clinical staging, facilitates prompt and appropriate treatment and timely patient management.