NMA/AGSM/2023/PUBH/ - Frequency and Histological Classification of Neoplastic Ovarian Lesions Seen in a Tertiary Health Centre in North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer was the seventh most common cancer worldwide in women and is the second most common malignancy after breast cancer over the age of 40years, particularly in developed countries also the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in women, and it affects mainly the economically viable age groups. The study aims to determine the frequency and histopathological classification of neoplastic ovarian lesions in a tertiary institution in Northwestern Nigeria and compare it with other centers.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study in which surgical biopsy specimens seen over 9 years period were reviewed with respect to age and histopathological characteristics.

Results: A total of 120 neoplastic ovarian lesions were histologically diagnosed during the period under review which constitute 7.0 % of all the gynaecological spacemen received. 49 (40.8 %) cases were epithelial, and 71 (59.2 %) cases were non epithelia.  Majority of both the epithelial and non-epithelial lesion 13(26.53 %) and 20 (28.16%) cases respectively, occurred in women in the age bracket of 30-39 years. Out of 49 epithelial lesions, malignant and benign lesions account for 26(53.06%) and 23(46.93%) respectively while the most common histological types were serous tumour 33 (67.34 %), mucinous 12(24.48%), others 4 (8.16%). Of the 71 (59.2%) Non epithelial cases malignant account for 12(16.90%) while Benign 59(83.09%). The most common histological types where germ cell tumours 52 (73.23%), sex cord stromal tumours 15(21.12 %) while others   4 (5.61%).

Conclusion: Ovarian non-epithelial tumours are common in our environment and benign germ cell tumours being the most common type as well as serous malignant epithelial tumours. Economically viable age groups are mainly affected by the tumours. Therefore, early diagnosis and adequate management are necessary in reducing both morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.