Appearance of Tumor Cells in Cyst Fluid of Malignant Ovarian Tumor

The significance of spillage of tumor cells into the abdominal cavity by fine needle aspiration or rupture of adnexel masses in case of malignancy is the focus. However, the appearance rate of malignant cells in cyst fluid by fine needle aspiration has been quite variable. We therefore evaluated the appearance rate of malignant cells in the cyst fluid from malignant ovarian tumors. Our study population included 29 women with malignant ovarian tumor who attended two hospitals between November 1995 and October 1998. Cyst fluid samples were aspirated from the tumors immediately after the removal of tumor. All cytologic and histologic preparations were reviewed by investigators who did not know any information of the tissues. A considerable number of viable malignant cells were found in twenty two of 26 adnexal malignancies (84.6%). There was no significant difference in the appearance of viable tumor cells among different histologic types of tumor. Four negative cases included 3 mucinous tumors of borderline malignancy and one endometrioid adenocarcima (G1). The cyst fluid of most of the malignant ovarian tumor contains viable tumor cells, suggesting the risk of spillage of malignant tumor cells. On the other hand, there may be decreased risk of spillage of malignant tumor cells in mucinous tumors of borderline malignancy