SPECTRUM OF OVARIAN TUMOR IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Ovarian tumour is the seventh leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide and in India it accounts for up to 8.7% of cancer cases. Ovarian tumours are a constant source of confusion for both gynaecologists and pathologists due to the wide spectrum of clinical and morphological features. 

Objective: To study the spectrum of ovarian tumour in a tertiary care hospital. 

Material and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of one year among patients with confirmed ovarian tumour. A detailed history was taken, and a clinical examination was performed. Investigations such as ab- dominal USG, tumour markers, a Chest X-ray, and other required tests were performed. After complete evaluation, patients were assessed for operability, and those who were operable were subjected to either exploratory laparotomy or minimally invasive surgery, depending upon the type of tumour. The specimen obtained during the surgery was sent for histopatho- logical examination (HPE).

Results: A total of 82 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 43.32 ± 15.73 years. The pre- dominant presenting symptom was abdominal pain (93.9%). The most common benign tumour was serous cystadenoma (23.75%). The majority of malignant cases were seen in the > 45-year age group. The CA-125 level was significantly higher in malignant tumours than in benign tumours (p <0.0001). The predominant treatment was exploratory laparotomy (87.8%), with minimal invasive surgery used in a few cases.

Conclusion: The peak incidence of ovarian tumours was in middle-aged women. Tumour markers such as CA-125, β-hCG, CA 19-9, CEA, AFP, and LDH levels varied among different types of tumours; CA-125 was the most commonly elevated tumour marker.