The Frequency and Type of Neoplastic and Nonneoplastic Ovarian Cysts in Cystectomy Specimens

Background: Ovarian cysts are among the most frequent pathologic states of the ovary. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency and age distribution of various types of ovarian cysts. Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, 200 women with ovarian cyst who had undergone ovarian cystectomy in Beheshti hospital in Isfahan between years 2007-2009 entered the study. Three age groups including prepuberty, reproductive, and postmenopausal were considered. The cysts were categorized as nonneoplastic or neoplastic. Data were extracted from pathology reports and patients’ records. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Finding: Mean age of the patients was 31.4 ± 9.8 years. 1.5%, 92%, and 6.5% of the patients were in prepuberty, reproductive, and postmenopausal age groups, respectively. 42% of the cysts were neoplastic and 58% were nonneoplastic. No statically significant relationship was observed between the nature of the cyst and age group. Overall, endometriosis with frequency of 18% was the most frequent cyst. Among neoplastic cysts, serous cystadenoma and dermoid cyst, each with frequency of 31.2% were the most common types. There wasn’t any significant relationship between the mean ages of various neoplastic cysts. Endometriosis with the frequency of 31% was the most common nonneoplastic cyst and there wasn’t any significant relationship between the age group and the type of nonneoplastic cyst. Conclusion: The majority of ovarian cysts are nonneoplastic and endometriosis is the most frequent type of ovarian cysts in surgically removed specimens. Most of the ovarian cysts are observed in reproductive age. Keywords: ovarian cyst- neoplastic cyst- nonneoplastic cyst- endometriosis- serous cystadenoma- dermoid cyst.