Frequency of various histopathological types of ovarian tumors reported at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency, histopathological spectrum, and clinical characteristics of ovarian tumors at a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Retrospective, Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ward-8, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: 1^st January 2022 to 30^th December 2024. Methods: Data of 204 female patients diagnosed with ovarian tumors (benign or malignant), and underwent surgical management with complete clinical and histopathological records were analyzed. Data regarding demographics, clinical information, disease biomarkers and histopathology details were noted. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Chi-square test was used to evaluate associations between clinical features and malignancy, taking p<0.05 as significant. Results: In a total of 204 women, the mean age was 39.38±12.16 years. Among 204 cases, 98 (48.0%) were benign, and 106 (52.0%) malignant. The most frequent benign tumor was serous cystadenoma 30 (14.7%) and the most common malignant tumor was mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (20.6%), followed by high-grade serous carcinoma, in 22 (10.8%) cases. Most malignant tumors presented at FIGO stage III, 46 (22.5%). Elevated CA-125 levels were noted in 117 (57.4%) cases. Significant associations were found between malignancy and menopausal statu (p<0.001), comorbidities (p<0.001), raised tumor markers (p<0.001), and positive family history (p<0.001). Upfront surgery was performed in 109 (53.4%) cases, while 46 (22.5%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery. Conclusion: This retrospective cross-sectional study highlights the considerable burden and diverse histopathological spectrum of ovarian tumors at a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan.