Ovarian cysts, cytology and histology: a conflicting story.

Ovarian cysts from 27 selected patients were examined cytologically as well as histologically. The aspirates were obtained by means of ultrasound or laparoscopy. Cytological examination in 17 of the cases did not show malignancy, but histological examination demonstrated malignancy in 5 of these patients. The fluid of the other 10 cysts indicated malignancy, which was confirmed histologically in only 4 cases. From this study we conclude that cytological examination has little to offer in diagnosing the true nature of ovarian cysts.