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Stomach Cancer Masquerades as Ovarian Tumors
1 Aug
Summary
- Ovarian tumors can be secondary, originating from stomach cancer.
- Krukenberg tumors are rare, aggressive metastatic ovarian cancers.
- Symptoms overlap with ovarian cancer, delaying diagnosis.
Two women in Mumbai were diagnosed with Krukenberg tumors, a rare form of metastatic cancer where malignant cells spread to the ovaries, most commonly from stomach cancer. Both patients presented with symptoms like abdominal pain and weight loss, initially suspected to be ovarian cancer.
Further investigations at Government Medical College and Cama and Albless Hospital revealed the ovarian masses were secondary to stomach cancer. This distinction is critical as treatment strategies depend on the primary cancer's origin, not its metastatic location.
Krukenberg tumors account for only 1-2% of ovarian tumors and typically affect women of reproductive age. Their symptoms closely mimic primary ovarian cancer and gastrointestinal issues, often delaying diagnosis.
Diagnosis requires specialized testing beyond imaging, such as endoscopy and biopsy, to pinpoint the primary tumor. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying stomach cancer through surgery, chemotherapy, and potentially targeted therapies or immunotherapy.
The cases underscore the importance of thorough evaluation for women with ovarian masses and persistent gastrointestinal or gynaecological symptoms to rule out gastrointestinal malignancies.
