ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF OVARIAN CYSTS AND CYSTIC NEOPLASM: A STUDY OF 39 ASPIRATES

Abstract

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology has been widely applied in the diagnosis of ovarian cysts and cystic neoplasms, it offers the advantages of rapid diagnosis, minimal trauma to the patient and low cost, yielding relatively acceptable diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of ovarian cystic lesions.Methods: 39 female patients with clinico-radiological diagnosis of ovarian cysts and cystic neoplasm underwent ultrasonic guided aspiration cytology in the period from January 2000 to June 2003 at Al-Kadhimiya Teaching Hospital.Results: Thirty-nine female patients with an age range of 21-48 years underwent ultrasonic guided aspiration cytology of an ovarian cystic lesion. There were thirteen female patients with non neoplastic cysts while twenty six female patients had neoplastic cystic lesion with various histogenesis including (surface epithelial and germ cell type) predominantly benign tumors, while three cases revealed malignant serous cystadenocarcinoma. The over all sensitivity around 37.5% considering the inadequate cytological smears as a false negative result and specificity of 100%.Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology in the evaluation of ovarian cysts and cystic neoplastic lesions in safe, reliable and rapid diagnostic procedure yielding relatively acceptable sensitivity and specificity.Key word: FNAC, ovarian cystic lesions