Nonneoplastic Lesions of the Ovary

Abstract

Nonneoplastic lesions of the ovary frequently form a pelvic mass and are often associated with abnormal hormonal manifestations, thus potentially mimicking an ovarian neoplasm on clinical examination, at operation, or on pathologic examination. Many occur in the reproductive years and may be associated with infertility. Their proper recognition is, therefore, important to allow appropriate, usually conservative therapy, thereby avoiding unnecessary oophorectomy. This chapter begins with a very brief overview of the embryology and gross anatomy of the normal ovary, and key aspects of normal ovarian histology are featured in the discussion of relevant nonneoplastic lesions.