Secondary ovarian tumors compose 3-8% of all, and 10-30% of malignant ovarian tumors. Histopathological features of SOT diagnosed in our department in 10-year period are discussed. Macroscopical, microscopical, immunohistochemical and cytopathological features of secondary ovarian tumors diagnosed between 1997- 2006 were re-evaluated. Additional histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were applied to find the primaries. Data was statistically evaluated. Totally, 44 secondary ovarian tumors had been diagnosed within this period. The mean age of the patients was 52.9 years; the mean tumor diameter was 103.7 mm.

The primary was gastrointestinal system in 50% of the cases. Ten of them (22.7%) were metastases of signet ring cell carcinoma of stomach (Kruckenberg tumor) while 9 cases (20.5%) were from colorectal and three (6.8%) were from appendiceal adenocarcinomas. 27.3% of our cases were originated from genital tract. Synchronous endometrioid adenocarcinomas of corpus uteri and ovary were seen in six cases (13.6%). Ovarian involvement of serous carcinomas of corpus uteri was seen in five (11.4%) cases. Ovarian metastases of breast carcinoma in four cases (9.1%) were seen while the ovarian involvement of adrenal cortical and tubal carcinomas was observed in one case, each. The primary was peritoneal surface in five (11.4%) of the cases. Tumors were bilateral in 65.9% of the cases, and there was statistically significant correlation between the bilaterality rate of the tumors and the primary (p=0.015).

The more precise diagnosis of secondary ovarian tumors could be reached by evaluation of clinical, surgical, macroscopical, microscopical, cytopathological and immunohistochemical findings together.