Original Article

Gastric Carcinoma of the Umbilicus: Case Report of Sister Mary Joseph Nodule

Whang TB, Wang L, Peng DH

Cutis. 2010;85:90-92.

Sister Mary Joseph nodule is a metastatic lesion of the umbilicus, which is an uncommon phenomenon that carries an ominous prognosis. We describe a patient with gastric cancer who presented with asymptomatic papules on the umbilicus proven to be metastatic foci by biopsy. The lesion represented spread of the malignancy despite chemotherapy; thus, treatment was initiated with second-line agents. Sister Mary Joseph nodule can be the first presenting sign of an occult malignancy, or as demonstrated in this case, a sign of disease progression. Given the variable appearance of the lesions, a high index of suspicion is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

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