A study of 213 ovarian
tumors was undertaken with respect to the published assumption that there may be a relationship between presence of crystals of
silicate in the ovarian tissue and neoplastic transformation. The histological review gave the opportunity to classify these
tumors according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The frequency of histological types, age distribution and the site of involvement were determined. These data were compared to those in the literature. Our findings confirm the high incidence of serous
tumors and bilaterality reported by others as well as the high risk of
ovarian cancer in women in their fifties. A comparative study of the age distribution of cytadenomas was made. It suggests that
cystadenomas might be considered as a precursor to the
cystadenocarcinomas because of their appearance at younger age. A deliberate search for
silicate crystals in periovarian adhesions and in
tumor tissue showed a minimal incidence of crystalline material. This does not support a direct relationship between
silicate crystals and ovarian
tumors. However, it is suggested that neoplastic changes may occur in the ovarian surface as a result of adhesions engendered by deposition of
silicate crystals.