Synonyms/Description Epidermal cyst or sebaceous cyst of the ovary Mature monophyletic teratoma Etiology Epidermoid cysts are benign cysts, lined by mature keratinizing squamous epithelium but without hair (unlike dermoids). These lesions represent less than 0.25% of all ovarian neoplasms. Two…
Synonyms/Description Endometriosis signifies the presence of endometrial tissue outside the endometrial cavity. These ectopic glands respond to the cyclical hormones, thus causing microscopic internal bleeding and pain during the course of the menstrual cycle. This ectopic tissue bleeds episodically, causing…
Synonyms/Description Endometrial proliferation Etiology Endometrial hyperplasia refers to abnormal proliferation of endometrial glands and stroma, representing a spectrum of endometrial abnormalities ranging from benign overgrowth to precancerous tissue. Endometrial hyperplasia can cause a diffusely thickened endometrium or, less commonly, focal…
Synonyms/Description Uterine cancer Etiology Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female genital tract. The overall 5-year survival rate is 85%, 75%, 45%, and 25% for stages I through IV, respectively. Risk factors for endometrial cancer include obesity,…
Synonyms/Description Tubal, cornual, cervical, ovarian, or abdominal pregnancy/ectopic Etiology An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs as a result of implantation of a fertilized ovum outside the endometrial cavity. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in approximately 1.5% to 2.0% of gestations…
Synonyms/Description Malignant germ cell tumor diagnosed predominantly in young adults ages 20 to 30. The most common benign germ cell tumor is the mature teratoma, commonly called a dermoid cyst (see Dermoid Cyst ). Etiology Primitive germ cell tumors include…
Synonyms/Description Mature cystic teratoma Etiology This is a benign germ cell tumor containing ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, thought to arise from a single germ cell. Components may include hair, teeth, fat, and bone. These tumors represent 25% of all ovarian…
Synonyms/Description Benign ovarian tumor that arises from surface epithelium and underlying cortical connective tissue of the ovary. Etiology These are rare benign ovarian tumors representing less than 2% of benign ovarian neoplasms. Originally thought to be fibrous variants of cystadenomas…
Synonyms/Description Simple cyst Clear ovarian cyst Etiology A simple ovarian cyst is a clear, thin-walled, unilocular cyst. Premenopausal Simple cysts up to 3 cm in maximal diameter are considered normal physiologic follicles in cycling women, and thus should not be…
Synonyms/Description Functional cyst (corpus luteum) No synonym for hemorrhagic cyst Etiology The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient structure formed as a result of ovulation, due to the midcycle luteinizing hormone surge from the pituitary gland. The CL is responsible…