Introduction:Ovarian cystic lesions are commonly encountered surgical specimens presenting  as mass lesion. It is difficult to categorize them as non-neoplastic or neoplastic based only on clinical, radiological or surgical findings. Histopathology aids in diagnosing and categorizing lesions for proper treatment.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-one ovarian cystic mass specimens were received in the Department of Pathology at a tertiary care centre in rural Uttar Pradesh during the period of 1 year. Specimens comprised either hysterectomy specimen with unilateral or bilateral adnexa, or oophorectomy and/or cystectomy. Detail clinical history, physical examination and radiological findings along with provisional diagnosis were obtained. Specimens were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Detail gross examination performed, and sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin.

Results: Fifty-one ovarian non-neoplastic and neoplastic (benign and malignant) cystic lesions were studied during the period under review. The youngest patient was 15 years old and the oldest 72 years old. The age group 31-40 years showed peak incidence of 17 (33.33%) cases. Considering laterality of ovarian cystic neoplastic lesions, 10 (90.90%) were unilateral and 1 (9.09%) was bilateral. Non-neoplastic ovarian cystic lesions were 40 (78.43%) and the neoplastic ovarian cystic lesions were 11 (21.56%).

Conclusion: It is difficult to categorize ovarian cystic lesions non-neoplastic or neoplastic based on clinical, radiological or surgical findings alone. Histopathological examination of these lesions is of prime importance to diagnose and categorize them for proper treatment. In benign functional cysts spontaneous resolution may occur, hence symptomatic treatment and observation helps to minimize surgery.

Keywords: Ovarian Cyst; Serous Cystadenoma; Mucinous Cystadenoma; Endometriosis;
Mature Cystic Teratoma; Struma Ovarii; Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.