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Mucinous tumors are part of the surface epithelial-stromal tumor group of ovarian neoplasms, and account for approximately 36% of all ovarian tumors.Approximately 75% are benign, 10% are borderline and 15% are malignant.Rarely, the tumor is seen bilaterally; approximately 5% of primary mucinous tumors are bilateral.
Benign mucinous tumors are typically multilocular , and the cysts have a smooth lining of epithelium that resembles endocervical epithelial cells with small numbers of gastrointestinal-type epithelial cells.Borderline and malignant mucinous tumors often have papillae and solid areas.There may also be hemorrhage and necrosis.
It is well documented that malignancy may be only focally present in mucinous neoplasms of the ovary, so thorough sampling is imperative.
The major distinguishing features of mucinous tumors are that the tumors are filled with a mucus-like material, which gives them their name; this mucus is produced by mucus-secreting goblet cells very similar to the cells lining normal intestine.