Neoplastic and non-neoplastic ovarian disease in Zimbabwean women

Abstract

Diseases of the ovary are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality amongst Zimbabwean women. There is however, scanty data regarding the types and extent of these conditions. A retrospective review of histologically diagnosed ovarian disease was carried out in order to determine the types, prevalence and age distribution of ovarian pathology seen in Harare over a 22 month period. Pathological changes were reported in 368 ovarian samples. Forty four pc of the lesions were neoplastic and of that number, 28 pc were malignant. Non-neoplastic lesions were mainly functional cysts or sequellae of inflammation.