Secondary Ovarian Tumour

Secondary ovarian tumors (SOT) comprise 10–25% of all ovarian malignancies [1]. Most common sites of primary tumor identified so far are from the stomach, colon, rectum, breast, endometrium, and appendix [2] (Table 1). Tumor metastasizing to ovary are termed as Krukenberg’s tumor (KT), based on the presence of more than 10% mucin filled signet ring cells [3]. Earlier the terms KT and secondary ovarian tumors were used interchangeably, but now it has been recognized that all SOTs are not KT. Only 30–40% of all SOTs are Krukenberg tumors [4] and the commonest primary tumor is signet ring adenocarcinoma of pylorus of the stomach. In the usual scenarios of presentation, detection of secondary ovarian tumor precedes the detection of primary tumor. Thus, its diagnosis poses a challenge both to the gynecologic oncologist and pathologist. A correct pathological diagnosis is also important for its timely and complete management and structured counseling of the patient and her relatives. The risk factors and prognostication vary depending on the type of primary tumor and the stage of detection of SOT. Usually, the presence of SOTs is known to have a dismal prognosis.