Characteristic ultrasonographic appearance of the Krukenberg tumor

We studied the value of ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of Krukenberg tumors (N = 15) and primary ovarian cancers (N = 15) using the echo pattern of the tumor wall, solid component and cystic component. Fourteen of the 15 Krukenberg tumors had a clear tumor margin, an irregular hyperechoic solid pattern, and moth-eaten cyst formation. In contrast, the primary ovarian cancers had unclear tumor margins, an irregular hypoechoic solid pattern, clear cyst formation, papillary proliferation, and irregular thickness of the septum. These data suggest that Krukenberg tumors can be distinguished ultrasonographically from primary ovarian cancers.