Case of a Sister Mary Joseph’s Nodule in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: a Diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Background: Sister Mary Joseph Nodule (SMJN) is a rare metastatic umbilical nodule with primary tumor genital or gastrointestinal sites. Pancreas is rare primary location for umbilical metastases. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma associated with SMJN usually arise from the body and tail of the pancreas. We report a case of SMJ nodule’s as a cutaneous manifestation of metastatic pancreatic head cancer. Case Report: A 59-year-old man, presented with epigastric, back pain and weight loss. On examination, an umbilical nodule was noted. Investigations confirmed a nodule of sister Mary Joseph as a pancreatic head cancer metastasis. Discussion and Conclusion: SMJN nodule remains as a rare tumor with metastatic origin of cancer most commonly digestive. Due the poor prognosis, early detection and systematic biopsy of any nodule or umbilical mass is indispensable.