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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
The navel knows: Unmasking umbilical metastasis after cytoreduction
Authors
Dr. Deepthi P N, Dr. Gopinath Pai, Dr. Ranjith K B, Dr. Sai Geetha
Abstract
Umbilical metastasis, classically referred to as a Sister Mary Joseph
nodule, is a rare manifestation of intra-abdominal malignancies and indicates advanced disease. Delayed isolated umbilical
recurrence following optimal cytoreductive surgery
for ovarian carcinoma is uncommon, particularly in the presence of normal
CA-125 levels. A middle-aged postmenopausal woman presented with bilateral
inguinal lymphadenopathy without any symptoms suggestive of primary malignancy.
Exploratory laparotomy revealed metastatic deposits over the anterior abdominal
wall and peritoneal surfaces. She underwent optimal
primary cytoreductive surgery. Histopathology confirmed endometrioid carcinoma
of ovarian origin, FIGO stage IVB. She received adjuvant chemotherapy and was maintained on surveillance with persistently normal
CA-125 levels. Two years later, she presented with a solitary, firm, purplish
umbilical swelling. Biopsy confirmed metastatic recurrence consistent with
ovarian carcinoma. The lesion was excised and she was initiated on systemic chemotherapy for recurrent disease.This case highlights the limitations of
relying solely on tumour markers during follow-up, as biochemical remission
does not necessarily correlate with absence of active disease. Careful clinical
examination remains essential in surveillance, and
any new focal lesion warrants prompt evaluation irrespective of tumour marker
status to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate management.
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Pages:9-11
How to cite this article:
Dr. Deepthi P N, Dr. Gopinath Pai, Dr. Ranjith K B, Dr. Sai Geetha "The navel knows: Unmasking umbilical metastasis after cytoreduction". International Journal of Surgery and Surgical Research, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 9-11
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