The cell of origin of ovarian epithelial tumors and the ovarian surface epithelium dogma: does the emperor have no clothes?

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The current hypothesis that ovarian epithelial tumors originate from the ovarian surface epithelium is questioned due to tumor resemblance to Müllerian duct derivatives and the existence of similar tumors outside the ovary, suggesting alternative origins.

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Abstract

The widely favored hypothesis that ovarian epithelial tumors arise from the mesothelial cell layer lining the ovarian surface fails to explain the resemblance of these tumors to those arising in organs that are embryologically derived from the Müllerian ducts such as fallopian tubes, endometrium, and endocervix. In addition, this theory cannot account for the fact that tumors that are morphologically identical to ovarian carcinomas can sometimes be found outside the ovary. A suggestion is made that components of the secondary Müllerian system, which include paraovarian/paratubal cysts, rete ovarii, endosalpingiosis, endometriosis, and endomucinosis, merit some consideration as to their possible role in ovarian tumorigenesis.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Ovarian Neoplasms Ovary Epithelium Epithelium Epithelium Female Humans Mullerian Ducts Mullerian Ducts Mullerian Ducts Ovarian Neoplasms Ovary Ovary

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europepmc
last seen: 2026-08-16T09:21:09.727480+00:00
pubmed
last seen: 2026-05-13T22:10:29.640636+00:00
unpaywall
last seen: 2026-05-14T19:30:52.867331+00:00
License: public-domain-us · commercial use OK · attribution required
Courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine