A 52-year-old woman has bilateral solid ovarian enlargement discovered on evaluation for early satiety. Both ovaries are replaced by firm masses. Biopsy shows ovarian stroma infiltrated by signet ring cells containing intracytoplasmic mucin. What is the most likely primary site?
- A Stomach ✓
- B Ovary itself
- C Cervix
- D Pancreas
Correct answer: A. Stomach
Explanation
Krukenberg tumour is defined as a metastatic ovarian tumour containing mucin-filled signet ring cells, classically arising from gastric adenocarcinoma. Bilateral solid ovarian enlargement with GI symptoms in a middle-aged woman is the typical presentation. Although colorectal, appendiceal, breast and pancreatic primaries can also seed the ovaries, the term Krukenberg tumour specifically denotes the signet ring cell pattern, and gastric cancer remains its classical source in standard texts.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.