Ovarian tumors: a case series from a tertiary care center

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the third most common malignancy among women in India and accounts for approximately 6% of cancer-related deaths, with late-stage presentation being frequent due to vague and nonspecific symptoms. This case series describes twelve patients with ovarian neoplasms diagnosed over six months at a tertiary care center, highlighting the clinical diversity and age-related distribution of these tumors. Most cases were observed in postmenopausal women above 50 years of age, with histopathological types ranging from high-grade serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma to mucinous cystadenoma, granulosa cell tumor, dysgerminoma, and metastatic malignant melanoma. Clinical manifestations included abdominal pain, distension, ascites, respiratory difficulty, and in one case, incidental detection during infertility evaluation. Risk factors such as nulliparity, delayed childbearing, and family history were noted. Management strategies varied from surgical excision for benign lesions to cytoreductive surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy for malignant cases. This study underscores the heterogeneity of ovarian tumors and the critical importance of early recognition, accurate histopathological classification, and individualized treatment planning. Despite advances in surgical and chemotherapeutic modalities, prognosis in advanced disease remains poor, emphasizing the need for improved screening strategies, molecular research, and targeted therapies to enhance survival and quality of life.