Ovarian metastases caused by cholangiocarcinoma: a rare Krukenberg's tumour simulating a primary neoplasm of the ovary: a two-case study

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2004 Dec;270(4):281-4. doi: 10.1007/s00404-003-0508-7. Epub 2003 May 24.

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian metastases represent 10% of all ovarian malignancies. They are characterized by their ability to occasionally reproduce mimicking the clinical and morphological appearance of primary tumours, making diagnosis difficult. Most of these tumours originate in the digestive tract, the best known being Krukenberg's tumour in the stomach. Cholangiocarcinomas are rare neoplasias that very rarely affect the ovary. Their retroperitoneal location and low histological specificity in the ovary may lead to a misdiagnosis. This makes it necessary to accurately assess all clinical, radiological and morphological symptoms so as to avoid inappropriate treatments in affected patients.

Case report: Two cases of biliary cholangiocarcinomas simulating an ovarian neoplasia are reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic*
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / pathology
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Cholangiography
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endoscopy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Krukenberg Tumor / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / secondary*