The Krukenberg tumor. Appearance on ultrasonography and review of the literature.

Abstract

The term Krukenberg tumor refers to metastatic disease to the ovary and more specifically those metastases containing mucin-secreting signet cells. When this definition is used most of these tumors arise in the gastrointestinal tract although the term Krukenberg tumor has also been used more loosely to describe metastatic disease to the ovary from other sites such as breast and genital tract. On ultrasound examination, the Krukenberg tumor has been described as a complex type of mass showing both solid and cystic characteristics. When a mass with these echographic characteristics is found on pelvic sonography it is important to consider this entity in the differential diagnosis.