An Analysis of the Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Ovarian Tumours in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Ovarian tumours are a diverse and complex group of neoplasms. They occur in women of all ages and are notorious for their infrequently large sizes. Determination of the various histological patterns is important for treatment and prognostication. This study attempts to analyze the various clinicopathological characteristics of benign and malignant ovarian tumours and compare these with what is known in other parts of the world. Methods: The surgical specimens of patients with ovarian tumours sent to the Histopathology Department of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria within a 5-year period constituted the materials for the study. Results: The overall mean age at presentation for the 69 ovarian tumours was 34.8 years (SD± 15.3) while the age range was from 1 to 80 years. The highest frequency of cases was seen in the 21-30 year age-group. Majority of tumours (75.3%) occurred between 21 and 50 years. Benign tumours accounted for majority of cases (69.6%). Majority of the tumours (78.3%) showed a predominantly cystic appearance. Surface epithelial (43.4%) and germ cell tumours (40.6%) were the most frequent tumours encountered. Malignant surface epithelial tumours were most prevalent within the 41-50 year age group. The mean age at presentation was higher for malignant than benign serous tumours (p<0.05) while the mean age at presentation was lower for benign than for malignant mucinous tumours (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the mean diameters for benign and malignant epithelial tumours. Malignant germ cell tumours occurred only in young girls. Conclusion: Overall the age distribution and histological patterns of the ovarian tumours seen were similar to what has been reported in other parts of the world although malignant epithelial tumours in our series tended to occur at a slightly younger age.