Ovarian neoplasms in Zambia

A total of 144 primary neoplasmas of the ovary were recorded in a five year period in the Department of Pathology (formerly Public Health Laboratory), Lusaka. Benign neoplasms (65%) were commoner than malignant tumours (35%). The benign cystic teratoma (37.5%) was the commonest neoplasm. Tumours of special morphology and hormone-producing tumours were rare. Our findings are compared with a similar study from Uganda (James et al., 1973) and with studies from other parts of the world.