Rare Stomach Cancer: Initially, both women were suspected to have ovarian tumors, but as the investigation progressed, it was found that the actual disease was a very rare stomach cancer.

Colon cancer in women

Rare Stomach Cancer: Problems like stomach pain, weight loss, or irregular periods are often mistaken for normal illnesses. However, two cases reported in Mumbai surprised even doctors. Initially, both women were suspected of having ovarian tumors, but further investigation revealed that the actual disease was a very rare stomach cancer that had spread to the ovaries. Doctors say that in such cases, timely diagnosis is crucial. Treatment depends on the part of the body where the cancer originated.

What are both the cases?

The first case involves a 25-year-old woman who presented to a Mumbai hospital complaining of abdominal pain, irregular periods, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Examination revealed a large tumor in her right ovary, which initially raised suspicion of ovarian cancer. However, further investigation revealed that the ovarian tumor was not the actual cause; rather, the cancer originated in the stomach and spread to the ovaries. The second case involves a 37-year-old mother of two. She complained of abdominal pain, irregular periods, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits. Examination revealed large tumors in both ovaries. Doctors later confirmed that these tumors had also spread to the ovaries due to stomach cancer.

What is a Krukenberg tumor?

Doctors say this condition is called a Krukenberg tumor. It's a rare and aggressive form of metastatic ovarian cancer. In this case, the cancer doesn't originate in the ovaries, but rather in the abdomen, where cancer cells travel to one or both ovaries. In some cases, it can also originate in the large intestine, appendix, pancreas, or breast.

How rare is this disease?

Krukenberg tumors account for only 1 to 2 percent of all ovarian tumors. This disease is most commonly seen in women of reproductive age, although it can occur at any age. According to doctors, by the time the cancer reaches the ovaries and is detected, it has already spread throughout the body. This makes it more challenging to treat.

What symptoms should not be ignored?

The symptoms of this disease can be similar to those of ovarian cancer and many other common abdominal and gynecological diseases. These include persistent abdominal pain, bloating, irregular periods, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, feeling full after small meals, and changes in bowel habits. If a woman has symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, or changes in bowel movements along with an ovarian mass, she should be screened for not only ovarian cancer but also stomach or intestinal cancer. According to doctors, Krukenberg tumors are most common in women between the ages of 25 and 40. It is often diagnosed late. Early symptoms mimic those of a common medical condition, and stomach cancer can progress without obvious signs.

How is the disease identified?

Ultrasound and CT scans can detect tumors in the ovaries, but these tests alone cannot determine where the cancer originated. Doctors may use endoscopy, tissue biopsy, and specialized pathology tests to determine this.

How is the treatment done?

If necessary, surgery is performed to remove the ovarian tumor or alleviate the patient's discomfort, but the main focus of treatment is on the organ where the cancer originated. In cases of stomach cancer, patients receive chemotherapy similar to that given for advanced gastric cancer. Targeted therapy or immunotherapy may also be given in some patients, depending on the tumor's test results.