Introduction Description: Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that arises in the ovary and generally has an epithelial origin. This represents the second most common malignancy of the genital tract (after endometrial cancer), but it is the most common fatal gynecologic…
Introduction Description: A group of benign and malignant epithelial tumors of the ovary that are characterized by mucin secretion. These tumors tend to be the largest types of ovarian masses encountered and may be 30 cm or greater in size.…
Introduction Description: A Krukenberg tumor is a metastatic tumor (generally from the gastrointestinal tract) that is characterized by large signet-ring cells. The most common site of origin is the stomach or large intestine. Named after Friedrich Ernst Krukenberg (1871–1946), who…
Introduction Description: Recurrent or chronic adnexal infections may result in a cystic dilation of the fallopian tube (hydrosalpinx), which may present as an adnexal mass. Prevalence: 40% of female infertility is a result of tubal damage, including the most severe…
Introduction Description: A granulosa cell tumor is a sex cord stromal tumor of the ovary made up of granulosa cells (sex cord) and stromal cells (thecal cells or fibroblasts). The tumor often secretes estrogen. Prevalence: 2%–5% of ovarian neoplasms and…
Introduction Description: Germ cell tumors contain cells that echo the three layers of embryonic tissue (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) or extraembryonic elements. Prevalence: Second most frequent ovarian neoplasm (25% of tumors) and the most common ovarian tumor in women younger…
Introduction Description: The most common type of ovarian tumors (65% of ovarian tumors, 95% of ovarian malignancies). Epithelial stromal tumors are derived from the surface (celomic) epithelium and the ovarian stroma and include serous (20%–50%), mucinous (15%–25%), endometrioid (5%), clear…
Introduction Description: Endometriosis is a benign but progressive condition characterized by endometrial glands and stroma that are found in locations other than the endometrium (may be found outside of the pelvis in the abdomen, thorax, brain, and skin). Prevalence: 5%–15%…
Introduction Description: An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized egg is implanted outside of the endometrial cavity (fallopian tube [98%], ovary, abdominal cavity, or cervix). This is the leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal death in the first trimester…
Introduction Description: A dysgerminoma is an ovarian tumor that is made up of germ cells and stroma that appears analogous in structure to the seminomas found in the male testes. Although rare, these tumors are the most common malignant germ…