A case of virilization induced by a Krukenberg tumor from gastric cancer

BACKGROUND: The Krukenberg tumor represents ovarian metastases associated with gastric cancer or other gastrointestinal malignancies. Histology shows typical mucus-production and numerous signet-ring cells. Occasionally Krukenberg tumors have endocrine function and, as a consequence, some patients demonstrate hirsutism and virilization. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a case of virilization associated with an extensive gastric adenocarcinoma and Krukenberg tumor in a premenopausal woman. Virilization occurred three months after diagnosis of gastric cancer and the ovarian tumors. Palliative chemotherapy was initiated as primary therapy, but gastric outlet obstruction required a gastrojejunostomy. In addition, oopherectomy was performed to relieve abdominal tension and to abate hormonal effects. It is likely that virilization of the patient could have been prevented by earlier oopherectomy prior to development of hormone production. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitation in survival time early oopherectomy should be considered to prevent the development of virilization even in palliative situations if a Krukenberg tumor is diagnosed with gastric cancer.