Bilateral ovarian metastases from carcinoma of the gallbladder

Metastasis of carcinoma of the gallbladder to other intra-abdominal organs is recognised, but is rare. Ovarian metastases can mimic the clinical and morphological appearances of primary ovarian tumours, making the diagnosis difficult particularly when the primary source is not apparent.

A patient presented with abdominal pain and was found to have gallstones and bilateral ovarian masses. Tumour markers were all normal. The patient developed jaundice and was subsequently operated on for the gallstones and ovarian masses. Histology showed these to be metastases from a gallbladder carcinoma.

Presentation of ovarian metastases can cause diagnostic difficulty. Careful evaluation of the digestive tract should be considered in patients presenting with ovarian masses of uncertain origin.