Can Recent Theory of New Lymph Vessel Formation Called Lymphangiogenesis Resolve the Controversial Status of the Krukenberg Tumour?

Abstract

HYPOTHESIS: It is held that Krukenberg tumours represent bilateral ovarian involvement from particular growths especially stomach cancers. Hitherto, the route of spread had been controversial. However, on the basis of both animal experimental research and human autopsy work as well as the new frontier in lymph vessel staining techniques, it is hypothesized that the formation of new lymph channels, called lymphangiogenesis, sufficiently explains the peculiar relationship between stomach primaries and ovarian (Krukenberg) secondaries. Furthermore, this conclusion can be tested (a) by strictly avoiding the old fashioned separation of these two organs on the autopsy table and (b) by carefully choosing composite stomach-ovary blocks, staining them appositely, and confirming whether lymph vessels constitute the transportation routes. .

Keywords: Krukenberg tumours, ovarian selectivity, theories of spread

Journal of College of Medicine Vol. 13 (2) 2008: pp. 62-64