A young patient in Korea with Krukenberg tumors arising from breast cancer: A case report

Abstract

Metastasis of breast cancer to lung, bone and liver is common, but metastasis to ovaries is rare in Korea. A 31-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer was referred to our department due to a newly detected adnexal mass via abdomen sonography during regular check-up. Imaging studies revealed solid mass on left ovary and enlarged lymph nodes. She underwent a laparotomy including hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, lymphadenectomy, with a suspected impression of primary ovarian neoplasms or Krukenberg tumors. Pathologic fi ndings revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma from breast cancer involving left ovary and paraaortic lymph nodes. To our knowledge, this is the youngest Korean patient with Krukenberg tumors from the breast. In Korea, since the average age affected by breast cancer is younger than in the West, and the incidence and the mortality of breast cancer has increased, possible ovarian metastasis should be kept in mind when Korean patient with breast cancer visits for follow-up.