Signet ring cells, primary gastric Krukenberg tumor: Case report.

Abstract

Objective: Krukenberg tumor is defined as adenocarcinoma metastatic to the ovary that contains mucin-producing signet ring cells. 70 to 90% of mucosecretory adenocarcinomas that cause Krukenberg's tumor originate in the gastric mucosa. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman who first presents gastrointestinal symptoms. Being 30% of the cases of this tumor as the primary manifestation. It usually presents at an average age of 45 years or less and 80% of cases are usually bilateral, the location of the primary tumor may remain undiagnosed in up to 40% of cases. Krukenberg tumors are associated with a poor prognosis; therefore, regular gynecological examination in female patients with a history of gastric cancer is very important for the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Conclusion: The diagnosis of this pathology requires a thorough pathological evaluation, in order not to give false expectations to the patient with a benign diagnosis or less aggressive than that of Krukenberg tumor. Patients generally die within 2 years. Median overall survival for Krukenberg tumor patients is 11-19 months for gastric origins.