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. 2025 Jul 14:20:48.
doi: 10.51866/tyk.453. eCollection 2025.

A dark umbilical nodule in a postmenopausal woman: What is your diagnosis?

Nur Hidayah Mohd Fauzi  1 , Nik Ahmad Zuky Nik Lah  2 , Siti Masitah Hamzah  3 , W Fadhlina W Adnan  4 , Adibah Ibrahim  1 , Noorul Balqis Che Ibrahim  5 , Engku Ismail Engku-Husna  6
Affiliations

A dark umbilical nodule in a postmenopausal woman: What is your diagnosis?

Nur Hidayah Mohd Fauzi et al. Malays Fam Physician. .

Abstract

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule is a rare but significant clinical sign that often indicates advanced intraabdominal malignancy. It presents as a palpable umbilical nodule and may be the first indication of an occult primary cancer. In this article, we discuss the case of a 58-year-old postmenopausal woman who presented to a primary care clinic with a darkened umbilical lesion and progressive abdominal symptoms. She wps ultimately diagnosed with metastatic endometrial carcinoma. This uncommon presentation highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to umbilical lesions in the primary care setting. Recognising this subtle sign in primary care can lead to expedited investigations and timely intervention.

Keywords: Diagnostic imaging; Endometrial neoplasms; Neoplasm metastasis; Primary health care; Umbilical neoplasm.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. The umbilicus of a postmenopausal woman showing a well-defined, firm, hyperpigmented nodule measuring approximately 4 cm in diameter.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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