Sister Joseph’s Nodule Umbilical Manifestation of Intraperitoneal Carcinomatosis

Abstract

An umbilical metastasis is universally referred to as a sister Joseph’s nodule if it is caused by extensive intraabdominal neoplastic disease. The presence of an umbilical metastasis usually indicates advanced disease, with poor prognosis.

We report on a 64-year old women with a umbilical nodule that was at first not recognised as a metastatic lesion, so the diagnosis and treatment were delayed.

Knowledge of this eponym can help to avoid delay in diagnosis by alerting the clinician and prompting investigations with CT scan and a histological examination.

Key Words:

• Umbilicus
• metastasis
• peritoneal carcinomatosis
• ovarian cancer

Additional information

Notes on contributors

F. Muysoms

Dr. F. Muysoms AZ Maria Middelares Kortrijksesteenweg 1026 B-9000 Gent, Belgium Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]