A malignant tumor may metastasize to the umbilicus. This was observed by Sister Mary Joseph at St. Mary's Hospital (Mayo Clinic) for whom it was named.
Tumors in women that may metastasize to the umbilicus:
(1) ovarian
(2) breast
(3) endometrium
Tumors in both men and women that may metastasize to the umbilicus:
(1) renal cell carcinoma
(2) malignant meosthelioma of the peritoneum
(3) colon
(4) pancreas
(5) stomach
(6) lung
If the tumor arises by direct extension from extensive intra-abdominal tumor, then the prognosis is generally very poor.
If the tumor is an isolated metastasis associated with lymphatic or venous spread, then a considerably longer survival is possible.
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