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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
13:04
In Vivo and Ex Vivo Approaches to Study Ovarian Cancer Metastatic Colonization of Milky Spot Structures in Peritoneal Adipose
Published on: October 14, 2015
Secondary ovarian malignancies: frequency, origin, and characteristics
Yvonne R P de Waal1, Chris M G Thomas, Angèle L M Oei
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Summary
Metastasis to the ovary represents 15% of ovarian malignancies. The gastrointestinal tract is the most common primary site, followed by breast and endometrium, highlighting the need to consider metastatic disease in ovarian tumor diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Metastatic tumors to the ovary are a significant component of ovarian malignancies.
- Understanding the origin and characteristics of these metastases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of ovarian metastases.
- To identify the primary sites of these metastatic tumors.
- To describe the clinicopathologic features of ovarian metastases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 116 patients with ovarian metastasis between 1985 and 2007.
- Review of medical records for clinical and demographic data.
- Examination of pathology reports for macroscopic and histopathologic features.
Main Results:
- Ovarian metastases constituted 15% of all ovarian malignancies.
- The most frequent primary sites were gastrointestinal tract (39%), breast (28%), and endometrium (20%).
- 22% of metastases mimicked primary ovarian tumors, with large intestine tumors being the most common source (36%).
- Ovarian cysts were present in 71% of patients; most affected ovaries were ≤10 cm.
- Bilateral ovarian involvement occurred in 69% of patients, including all with gastric tumors.
Conclusions:
- Metastatic disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors.
- The gastrointestinal tract is the most common origin of ovarian metastases, followed by breast and endometrial cancers.
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