Ovarian tumors. Histogenesis and systemic effects.

Sufficient histologic and embryologic information is now available to allow for a reasonably satisfactory histogenic classification of ovarian neoplasms. The majority of these tumors are derived from germ cells, sex cord-mesenchyme or the germinal epithelium. A few, such as the Brenner tumor, must still be classed as being of "uncertain histogenesis," for the cell (or tissue) of origin is not yet known. It is now realized that many ovarian neoplasms previously considered to be endocrinologically inert may, on occasion, be associated with either estrogenic or androgenic activity. This applies particularly to Brenner tumors, mucinous cystadenomas and serous cystadenomas. The common factor associated with such endocrine activity is luteinization of the tumor stroma.Ovarian neoplasms usually manifest only local symptoms, but they may, on occasion, be associated with such unusual systemic effects as hypoglycemia, hypercalcemia or a hemolytic anemia.