Sister Mary Joseph Nodule: A Dermatological Insight into Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

The Sister Mary Joseph (SMJ) nodule is a metastatic umbilical growth observed in primary tumors originating from the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. Commonly, SMJ nodules are associated with gastrointestinal cancers, particularly those affecting the stomach and colon. While the pancreas is an uncommon primary site for umbilical metastasis, pancreatic adenocarcinoma that spreads to the umbilicus typically originates from the body or tail of the pancreas. The presence of an SMJ nodule often indicates a poor prognosis, serving as a straightforward physical indicator of advanced intra-abdominal malignancy. Although pancreatic cancer is a rare cause, it should be considered among the primary sites in such cases. This report details a case of an SMJ nodule unveiling pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a 61-year-old patient. The case underscores the significance of examining the umbilicus, an area frequently overlooked but crucial for diagnosis. Vigilant clinical follow-up and histological evaluation are imperative in such cases, highlighting the importance of not underestimating this infrequently assessed region.