Umbilical Metastasis in Ovarian Cancer: An Erroneous Sign of Advance Malignancy

Shiva Kumar, Kapil Dev, Jaipra

Abstract

Umbilical metastasis in ovarian cancer carries ominous clinical importance generally heralding the demise of the patient over relatively short period of time despite all attempts at controlling disease. Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule (SMJN) is defined as an irregular lump on the umbilicus, ranging from 0.5 to 2 cm, reaching up to 10 cm as a result of metastasis from visceral malignancies. It can be smooth, non-ulcerated or ulcerated necrotic mass with or without blood, mucinous, serous or purulent discharge [1,2]. Umbilical metastasis from intra-abdominal visceral malignancies is a form of SMJN. The term “Sister Mary Joshep’s nodule” was projected by Sir Hamilton Bailey for the umbilical metastasis of an abdominal malignancy in 1948. It can be a presenting symptom or sign of undiagnosed malignancy. Here, we have presented a classical example of SMJN with a diagnosis of umbilical metastasis in ovarian cancer as a primary presentation.

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