What is krukenberg tumour?

Krukenberg tumour is a rare type of cancer that spreads from the stomach to other parts of the body, especially the ovaries. It is a metastatic carcinoma, which means the cancer cells move from the primary site and spread to distant organs. The tumour is usually characterized by the presence of signet ring cells, which are flat, round cells with a large nucleus pushed to the edge by a vacuole-like space filled with mucin in the cytoplasm.

The primary site of Krukenberg tumour is usually the stomach, although it may also originate from other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. When the tumour spreads to the ovaries, it may cause pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, and infertility.

Krukenberg tumour is difficult to diagnose because it can mimic other ovarian tumours. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, depending on the extent of the tumour and the overall health of the patient. The prognosis is poor because the cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage when it has already spread to other organs. However, early detection and treatment can improve survival rates.