Ovary: Malignant Epithelial Neoplasms

Abstract

The malignant forms of the epithelial tumours of the ovary present as bulky, partially cystic or solid neoplasms which are often collectively referred to as ‘ovarian adenocarcinoma’. An attempt should be made in all cases to make a more precise histological identification of individual malignant epithelial neoplasms, e.g. as ‘serous’ or ‘mucinous’, for their consideration as a single entity probably conceals subtle. differences in aetiology, epidemiology, mode of spread and therapeutic response. It is recognized, however, that not all malignant epithelial neoplasms can be accurately categorized. Some are so poorly differentiated that no diagnosis more specificthan ‘undifferentiated carcinoma’ can be made whilst others, though better differentiated, do not show features which allow for them to be identified in specific terms, these being classed as ‘adenocarcinoma of unspecified type’. Furthermore, a significant proportion of malignant epithelial neoplasms contain more than one type of epithelium: it is, for instance, not uncommon to encounter tumours containing a mixture of serous and mucinous epithelia or ones in which there is an admixture of endometrioid and mucinous epithelia. Such carcinomata are classified in terms of the predominant type of epithelium present and are only diagnosed as ‘mixed’ if the second epithelial component is a prominent feature of the tumour.