These are derived from the epithelial lining of the ovary, which like that of the Mullerian duct, is derived from embryonic mesothelium. One theory for the diversity of these tumours is that the ovarian epithelium retains the ability to transform, either as a metaplastic or as a neoplastic process, along a Mullerian duct pathway.
Thus, cytologically, the mucinous tumour resembles the epithelium of the endocervix; the serous, that of the tubal; and the endometrioid, that of the endometrium. The Brenner and clear cell tumours are also thought to be derived from Mullerian epithelium.
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