A case of sister mary joseph's nodule resulting from colon cancer

Abstract

Umbilical metastasis of malignant tumors, also known as Sister Mary Joseph's nodule (SMJN), is a relatively rare sign with a poor prognosis. In the present study, we report our experience with a case of colon cancer in which umbilical metastasis was observed with a literature review.
The present patient was a 49-year-old woman who underwent right hemicolectomy following diagnosis of ascending colon cancer in December 2004. Although the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy, she developed liver metastasis in July 2005 and underwent enucleation of the hepatic tumor. As liver and lung metastases were observed in May 2006, the patient underwent enucleation of the hepatic tumor as well partial lung resection. In October 2006, umbilical metastasis was observed. Because this metastatic tumor required daily treatment, it was resected in January 2007 with the objective of enhancing QOL. Despite subsequent recuperation at home, the patient died in September 2007 due to respiratory failure secondary to multiple lung metastases.
In patients with SMJN, resection must be considered from the perspective of enhancing QOL depending on metastases to other sites as well as general status. In addition, the possibility of SMJN must be considered during treatment of advanced colon cancer.