Histopathological distinctions of Ovarian Solid tumours at three academic hospitals in Johannesburg

Abstract

Background: Ovarian tumours are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, exhibiting a wide range of histopathological variations. Despite their high incidence and association with cancer-related deaths, there is a lack of data regarding the histopathological profile of these tumours in resource-limited settings. Therefore, this study aims to provide insights into the histological patterns of solid ovarian tumours in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA), 16 – 40 years within our population. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, quantitative study of histologically proven solid ovarian tumors over 7 years, (1st of January 2011 to 31st December 2017) was conducted in Johannesburg tertiary hospitals. Histopathological reports were analysed and classified according to the World Health Organization’s ovarian tumour classification system. The details evaluated were, demographics, date of surgery, histological classification and subtype, tumour behaviour, tumour laterality, secondary site, and type of surgery. Results: 68 patients with solid ovarian tumours on histopathological examination were included over the study period. Out of all the tumours, malignant tumours were 64.8% while benign and borderline tumours constituted 23.5% and 11.8% respectively. In addition, surface epithelial tumours were the most common tumours accounting for 55.9%, with mucinous adenocarcinoma being the most frequent subtype (16.2%). The age category with the most disease burden was 36-40 (38.2%). The right ovary was the most affected site with 36.8% of the total tumours. Fertility sparing surgery was perfomed in (34/68, 50%) while the remaining half underwent radical surgery. Conclusion: Most solid ovarian tumours were malignant and of epithelial origin managed by total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. It is unknown why most unilateral tumours were found on the right ovary.