Abstract
Umbilical metastasis from a malignant tumor is called as Sister Mary Joseph's nodule and is known as a sign suggesting a poor prognosis. We report a case of umbilical metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer presented with repeated bouts of omphalitis like symptom, together with a review of the literature.
A 90-year-old woman complaining of redness of the umbilicus had repeatedly been treated in previous hospital with a diagnosis of periumbilical inflammation, but no symptomatic remission was gained. Two weeks later, she was referred to our department. On palpation, an about 2-cm induration was felt at the umbilicus, and effusion and foul odor were noted. Umbilical metastasis from a malignant tumor was likely. Umbilical metastasis of adenocarcinoma was diagnosed on a biopsy. As a result of general examinations, the patient was diagnosed with umbilical and hetatic metastases from sigmoid colon cancer. Laparotomy and histopathological findings suggested that the most likely manner of this umbilical metastasis might be of hematogenic. Since the patient was the very elderly, we employed sigmoidectomy + omphalectomy to improve her QOL. After discharge, she had mainly been treated by conservative therapy, and died 6 months after the operation.
When we encounter an umbilical tumor, early diagnosis and treatment are important by keeping this disease in mind.
