A Case of Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Metastatic cancer of the umbilicus is very rare and is called Sister Mary Joseph's nodule. Metastasis to the umbilicus usually presents as diffuse spreading of primary cancer or recurrence after treatment of primary cancer, carries very poor prognosis, and is generally inoperable. However, umbilical metastasis presents rarely as a first sign of primary cancer and can lead to its diagnosis. The diagnosis is usually made with the histologic examination and the most common primary cancer is an adenocarcinoma of the stomach. We report a case of umbilical metastasis as a first sign of gastric cancer which leads to its diagnosis. This report emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of any umbilical lesion.