Those tumors known as common epithelial tumors are generally accepted as arising from the modified surface mesothelium and the subjacent stroma of the ovary. Because of this origin they are now named surface epithelial -stromal tumors. These neoplasms have common characteristics with tumors found elsewhere in the upper female genital tract, supporting the theories of their common histogenesis. They are by far the commonest tumors of the ovaries, benign or malignant. Their classification is based on epithelial differentiation or on biological behavior as well as on macroscopic and microscopic pattern. In this paper we attempted to classify the macroscopic, microscopic and some clinical and epidemiological characteristics of these tumors in tables, in order to make obvious their resemblances and differences.

Key words: Ovarian tumors, tumors of surface epithelium-stoma.

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