The role of surgical excision for the Krukenberg tumour: A case report

INTRODUCTION Krukenberg tumour (KT), which represents carcinoma in the ovary, is an uncommon manifestation of metastatic colorectal cancer. It is associated with poor prognosis and a high incidence of peritoneal metastatic disease. PRESENTATION OF CASE The authors present a case of a 51-year-old female who had a symptomatic, metachronous right ovarian KT diagnosed 12 months after her initial resection. Surgery was performed to excise the 23cm tumour as well as the contralateral ovary and isolated peritoneal disease, with an R0 resection achieved. DISCUSSION KT from colorectal origin behave differently to non-ovarian colorectal metastases, with features suggestive of transcoloemic dissemination. Surgical removal of isolated ovarian metastasis without peritoneal involvement is associated with improved outcomes. Treatment with cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy offers promise for patients with KT and concominant peritoneal involvement. CONCLUSION This case is illustrative of the clinical features of KT including its chemo-resistance and concomitant carcinomatosis peritoneii. Cytoreductive surgery for KT provides symptom control and confers survival benefit in selected patients.