Background: Krukenberg tumor of the ovary is an uncommon tumor, and when it occurs with an occult primary, is much rarer. Case: A 52-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and postmenopausal bleeding. Pelvic examination revealed bilateral ovarian masses. Exploratory laparotomy followed by total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, partial omentectomy, and peritoneal washing were performed. Remaining abdominal structures, including the stomach and intestines, were thoroughly visualized and palpated and felt to be normal. Gross and microscopic examination of the ovaries confirmed bilateral Krukenberg tumor, but even a detailed investigation did not revealed the primary. Results: The patient is well and without any recurrence at 18 month follow-up. Conclusions: Krukenberg tumor with an occult primary is a rare entity and its distinction from the primary ovarian tumor is of imminent importance, as classification of Krukenberg tumor as a primary ovarian tumor may lead to suboptimal treatment of the patient. (J GYNECOL SURG 29:99)
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Al-AghaOM, NicastrAD. An In-depth Look at Krukenberg tumor: An overview. Arch Pathol Lab Med, 2006; 130:1725.
2.
ScullyRE, YoungRH, ClementPB. Tumors of the Ovary, Maldeveloped Gonads, Fallopian Tube, and Broad Ligament. (Atlas of Tumor Pathology, 3rd series, fascicle 23)Washington, DC: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, 1999.
3.
LeeKR, YoungRH. The distinction between primary and metastatic mucinous carcinomas of the ovary: Gross and histologic findings in 50 cases. Am J Surg Pathol, 2003; 27:281.
4.
HoltzF, HartWR. Krukenberg tumors of the ovary: A clinicopathological analysis of 27 cases. Cance, 1982; 50:2438.
5.
NovakER, WoodruffJD. Novak's Gynaecologic and Obstetrical Pathology. 6th. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1967.
6.
JoshiV. Primary Krukenberg Tumor of ovary: Review of literature and case report. Cancer, 1968; 22:1199.
7.
MatesIN, IosifC, BănceanuG, IonescuM, PeltecuG, DinuD, ConstantinA, HoarăP, MitruC, ConstantinoiuS. Features of Krukenberg-type tumors—clinical study and review [in Romanian]Chirurgia, 2008; 103:23.
