Oestrogenic Activity Associated with Non-feminizing Ovarian Tumours after the Menopause

The fact that a certain group of ovarian tumours produce considerable quantities of oestrogen has been known for some time. However, it is only recently that the suggestion that all ovarian tumours may produce increased levels of oestrogen has been put forward. In this article we have reviewed 80 consecutive cases of post-menopausal ovarian tumour admitted to the gynaeco logical department at Hammersmith Hospital. Exfoliative cytology and histopathology were employed in the assess ment of oestrogen function. The cases were collected from the years 1954 to 1962 inclusive and reviewed to exclude any exogenous source of oestrogen or other hormone which might have had some effect on the reproductive tract. Oestrogenic influence was assessed by two indirect methods, which were: (a) the cornification index in the vaginal smear, and (b) histological examination of the endometrium.