Ovarian Cancer
Benign Mucinous Cystadenoma are composed of cells that resemble epithelial endocervical cells. The ovary contains cystic locules that are filled with mucin which has been secreted by the cells lining these cystic locules. These cells are tall columnar epithelial cells, which have basal located nuclei and cytoplasm filled with mucin
Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma appear similar to their benign counterparts, however are more solid, with much smaller cystic spaces, and histological features of malignancy, such as the larger and pleiomorphic nuclei, and the columnar cells are more crowded with mitotic figures being seen commonly. Stromal invasion is also evident. Specimens with the above features, but without the stromal invasion are termed borderline mucinous tumours and have a better prognosis than mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.
Benign Serous Cystadenoma are large cysts filled with clear serous fluid, lined by columnar cells that resemble the Fallopian tube. These benign cysts are usually unilocular.
Serous Cystadenocarcinoma appear as cysts filled with branching papillary structures of columnar cells with malignant features of dysplasia, crowding and stratification. Moreover, there is invasion of the stroma. A specific feature to serous tumours are psammoma bodies, which are stromal calcified bodies that appear spherical. Borderline tumours lack the stromal invasion, however, appear similar to serous cystadenocarcinomas.
Dermoid cysts of the ovary, also known as benign cystic teratoma, are found in ypuing females and are usually benign, with malignant solid ovarian teratomas found in children and adolescent girls. These cysts are mature teratomas, where ectodermal, endodermal and mesodermal elements can be found in the tumours. The most common are ectodermal growths, such as keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and often teeth. Mesodermal (e.g. cartilage) and endodermal (e.g. gastrointestinal) components are rare, but can occur. On gross examination, these cysts are unilocular and filled with a yellow, thick material.