Umbilical metastasis. Current viewpoint

Metastatic cancer of the umbilicus is an uncommon and rare presentation. Named ‘Sister Mary Joseph Nodule’, is typically associated with visceral malignancy. These nodules usually arise from the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract and may represent the first sign of a previously unknown primary tumor. It not only indicates the presence of visceral malignancy but also reveals the poor prognosis of these malignancies. Physicians need to be aware of this rare clinical condition so that they can promptly diagnose the primary cancer. All umbilical mass lesions should be biopsied to determinate the pathological nature. Clinical experience suggests that an aggressive approach, whenever it is possible, may be considered to offer the patient the best survival probability.