[Metastatic carcinoma to the ovary of extragenital origin: analysis of 9 cases and review of the concept of Krukenberg's tumor].

Between 1987 to 1992, nine patients with metastatic ovarian tumors of extragenital origin were analyzed. Seven corresponded to Krükenberg tumors, according to the traditional description of carcinoma with signet-ring cells and stroma with sarcomatoid reaction. The primary neoplasia was detected in 8 patients (89%) and corresponded to: gastric cancer (n = 4), colon cancer (n = 2), gallbladder cancer (n = 1) and breast cancer (n = 1). Mean survival in these patients was 11 months (range 4 to 20 months). Irrespective of their histology and origin, all the lesions were found to share similar macroscopic characteristics: bilateral enlarged ovaries, solid and embossed appearance.