What type of ovarian tumor is associated with Krukenberg tumors characterized by mucin-secreting signet-ring cells?

Krukenberg tumors are a specific type of metastatic ovarian tumor characterized by the presence of mucin-secreting signet-ring cells. These tumors typically originate from mucinous adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly gastric cancer. Clinically, when such cancer metastasizes to the ovaries, it leads to the formation of Krukenberg tumors which are distinctly noted for their histological features, including the signet-ring cell type of morphology due to the accumulation of mucin within the cytoplasm.

The association of Krukenberg tumors with primary gastric carcinomas highlights the importance of considering metastatic disease in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors, especially when the presentation includes the characteristic signet-ring cells. Other primary ovarian tumors, such as serous cystadenoma or serous cystadenocarcinoma, primarily arise from the ovarian epithelium and do not exhibit the signet-ring cell pattern associated with Krukenberg tumors. Germ cell tumors likewise originate from different cell types and are not associated with this metastatic pattern. Thus, the correct identification of the type of tumor is critical in understanding its origin and guiding clinical management.