J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc.
2004 Jun;4(2):126-130.
Clinical Analysis of 61 Krukenberg Tumors
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Surgery, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jhyook@amc.seoul.kr
- 2Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- PURPOSE
A Krukenberg tumor is an ovarian tumor of a signet-ring cell type. This tumor arises more commonly in young women, and the prognosis is poor. The primary focus of this tumor is often found at gastrointestinal malignancy, especially gastric cancer. We tried to identify the clinical characteristics of this tumor, and in that regard, this report might be helpful.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed the 61 patients with Krukenberg tumors, who had been diagnosed at our hospital from 1994 to 2002, and retrospectively analyzed the clinical features.
RESULTS
The age distribution ranged from 15 to 59 years, and the mean age was 41 years. The most common symptom was a lower abdominal mass (46%). Fourty-two cases (77%) showed bilateral ovarian involvement, and the size of this tumor was variable, but in 24 cases (44%) the size was 5~0 cm for the largest diameter. Among 54 cases, 40 cases had ascites, and the volume of ascites was variable. The median survival of the 61 patients was 10 months, and Krukenberg tumor developed 19.7 months after the primary operation. The median survival durations of recurrence patterns were 20 months for the Krukenberg tumor alone, and 7 months for the Krukenberg tumor with peritoneal seeding.
CONCLUSION
In young women treated with a gastrectomy, especially one for an advanced tumor, closed observation with abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography to detect a Krukenberg tumor is recommended. The patient with a Krukenberg tumor alone has a better prognosis than one with a Krukenberg tumor combined peritoneal seeding. We will have to consider more progressive treatment for the patient with a Krukenberg tumor alone.
