Ovarian metastasis from breast cancer: a comprehensive review

Breast is one of the most common primary origins of secondary ovarian cancer. There are some factors that influence the incidence of ovarian metastases (OM), such as histological type of primary cancer. OM from breast cancers are frequently asymptomatic until the masses have grown to certain size, and the metastatic tumors are frequently manifested as bilateral, solid, small ovarian masses. On the other hand, patients with a history of breast cancer have an increased risk of developing primary ovarian cancer (POC) than the general population. To differentiate OM from POC is essential as the optimal treatments and prognosis are distinct. Medical history, clinical manifestation, imaging examinations, serological examinations, and pathology (including immunohistochemical, genomic and transcriptomic approach) are all essential elements to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Breast cancer patients with OM have a poor prognosis; surgical resection with systemic therapy may help prolong the survival.