DEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIALS an‎d HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF OVARIAN MASSES

Background and Objectives: A descriptive case series was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College Lahore, from 1st Jan 2013 to 31st Dec 2013. The objective was to determine the frequency of various histopathological patterns of ovarian masses and to study its relationship with age and parity. Methodology: Patients having symptoms and ultrasonographic evidence of an ovarian mass were included in this study. All relevant details recorded on pre designed proforma. After informed consent and proper investigations, laparotomy was done and specimens sent for histopathology. Histopathology and relationship between age and parity was studied. Results: There were 62 cases of ovarian masses. Histopathology revealed that 31 cases (50%) were non-neoplastic and another 50% were neoplastic masses. Most common non-neoplastic mass was corpus luteal cyst 13 (21%) followed by follicular cyst 10 (16.1%). Endometriotic cysts observed in 5 cases (8.1%) and inflammatory masses in 3 cases (4.8%). Among neoplastic masses, epithelial tumours were commonly observed. Most common Benign neoplasia were Serous cyst adenoma 9 (14.5%) then mucinous cyst adenoma 5 (8.1%), Dermoid cyst 4 (6.5%), and granulosa cell tumours 2 (3.2%). Among malignant neoplastic masses, serous cyst adenocarcinoma was common 7 (11.3%) and mucinuous cyst adenocarcinoma was 4 (6.5%). Mean age of females with ovarian masses was 40.61 ± 13.74. Mean age of females having ovarian malignancy was 48.63 ± 13.61 and median age was 50 years. Out of 31 cases of neoplastic masses, benign neoplastic masses were more common in the age group 20 – 50 years (n = 17, 54.8%). Malignant neoplastic masses were more common after age 50 years (n = 5, 16.1%). Out of 31 neoplastic masses, 21 cases (67.7%) were seen in parity 4 and less than 4 while 10 cases (32.2%) were having parity more than 4. Conclusions: An early age at presentation of malignant tumours was noted however, the chances of tumours being malignant was higher after 50 years of age. Nulliparity was not a significant factor in the aetiology of both benign and malignant ovarian masses and increasing parity has not been protective for women in this study.