Part of “CHAPTER 102 – FUNCTIONING TUMORS AND TUMOR-LIKE CONDITIONS OF THE OVARY“

Epithelial neoplasms account for >60% of all tumors arising in the ovary. These tumors are classified according to the predominant pattern of differentiation as serous (resembling fallopian tube epithelium), mucinous (resembling intestinal or endocervical glands), endometrioid (resembling endometrial glands), clear cell, or Brenner (urothelial). They are subdivided into benign, low malignant potential, and malignant types. Tumors of low malignant potential are distinguished from their benign counterparts by the presence of epithelial stratification, papillary tuft formation, nuclear atypia, and increased mitotic activity, and from the malignant tumors by the absence of stromal invasion. Tumors of low malignant potential have an excellent prognosis (as do stage IA or IB, well-differentiated tumors) with a >90% five-year survival rate; in contrast, advanced (stage III and IV) carcinomas have only a 20% five-year survival rate, even with current chemotherapeutic regimens.