Metastatic Tumor to the Ovary

Synonyms/Description

Secondary ovarian tumor

Krukenberg tumor (originating mostly from the gastrointestinal tract)

Etiology

Metastatic tumors to the ovary account for approximately 20% of ovarian malignancies. The most common primary origins for metastatic disease to the ovary include colon, stomach, breast, and the genitourinary tract, and less commonly, lymphoma and leukemia. Krukenberg tumor is a specific term, characteristically used to describe metastatic colon or stomach adenocarcinoma to the ovary, although breast and other sites may be the primary. Spread of the primary tumor to the ovaries may occur from direct seeding or, more likely, via lymphatics.