Chapter 44—Pathology of the Ovaries

Androgen

Substance that stimulates the development of male characteristics; the ovaries will synthesize some of these substances and convert them to estrogens.

Cystadenocarcinoma

Malignant tumor that forms cysts

Cystadenoma

Benign adenoma containing cysts

Estrogen

Female hormone produced by the ovary.

Corpus Luteum Cyst

Small endocrine structure that develops within a ruptured ovarian follicle and secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Dermoid Tumor

Benign tumor composed of hair, muscle, teeth, and fat

Endometriosis

Condition that occurs when functioning endometrial tissue invades sites outside the uterus.

Follicular Cyst

Benign cyst within the ovary that may occur and disappear on a cyclic basis

Functional Cyst

Cyst that results from the normal function of the ovary

Meigs’ Syndrome

Benign tumor of the ovary associated with ascites and pleural effusion

Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma

Malignant tumor of the ovary with multilocular cysts

Mucinous Cystadenoma

Benign tumor of the ovary that contains thin-walled multilocular cysts

Ovarian Carcinoma

Malignant tumor of the ovary that may spread beyond the ovary and metastasize to other organs via the peritoneal channels.

Ovarian Torsion

Partial or complete rotation of the ovarian pedicle on its axis.

Paraovarian Cyst

Cystic structure that lies adjacent to the ovary

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Endocrine disorders associated with chronic anovulation.

Serous Cystadenocarcinoma

Most common type of ovarian carcinoma; may be bilateral with multilocular cysts

Serous Cystadenoma

Second most common benign tumor of the ovary; unilocular or multilocular

Simple Ovarian Cyst

Smooth, well-defined cystic structure that is filled completely with fluid.

Surface epithelial-stromal tumors

Gynecologic tumors that arise from the surface epithelium and cover the ovary and the underlying stroma.

Theca-Lutein Cysts

Multilocular cysts that occur in patients with hyperstimulation