Sister Mary Joseph's nodule revealing a jejunal adenocarcinoma: A case report.

Abstract

Introduction and importanceAdenocarcinoma of the jejunum is a diagnostic challenge for the physician because of its extreme rareness and the fact that it classically presents with vague clinical symptoms. On the other hand, the Sister Mary Joseph's nodule is a rare clinical sign that refers to umbilical metastasis of an internal malignancy. We here report a rare case of jejunal adenocarcinoma revealed by a Sister Mary Joseph's nodule.Case presentationA 55-year-old man presented with an ulcerated umbilical tumor, which was found to be a secondary lesion of an advanced jejunal adenocarcinoma invading the transverse colon. He underwent surgical resection of the umbilical tumor and the intestinal primitive.Clinical discussionThe presence of umbilical metastasis usually represents advanced disease but can be its first manifestation. Gastro-intestinal tract tumors such as jejunal adenocarcinomas and gynecologic malignancies are the most common primary sites.ConclusionPracticians must be aware of clinical implication of Sister Mary Joseph nodule. Aggressive surgery when feasible can be beneficial for survival.