Sister Mary Joseph's nodule – clinical aspects, pathophysiology and therapeutic possibilities

Authors

  • I. Yungareva Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior – Sofia Author
  • N. Smilov Clinic of Urology, Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior – Sofia Author
  • Y. Velevska Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Dermatovenereology, Medical University – Varna Author
  • A. Trenovski Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior – Sofia Author
  • S. Marina Diagnostic and Consultative Sector, Medical Institute of the Ministry of Interior – Sofia Author

Keywords:

Sister Mary Joseph nodule, umbilical skin metastasis, peritoneal neoplasms, abdominal metastases, gastrointestinal neoplasms, ovarian neoplasms, therapy

Abstract

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule (SMJN) is a rare form of umbilical skin metastasis, occurring in approximately 1-3% of patients with intraabdominal or pelvic malignant tumors. The most common primary sources are adenocarcinomas of the stomach, ovaries, colon, and pancreas. Metastases reach the umbilicus through various mechanisms – direct peritoneal invasion, lymphogenic or hematogenic dissemination, and through embryonic remnants such as the urachus, umbilical vein, and falciform ligament. SMJN is often the first visible manifestation of occult malignancy and serves as an important clinical indicator of advanced disease. It is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis and a median survival of less than 12 months. Timely recognition is essential for early diagnosis and planning a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.

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Published

28.04.2026

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2026): Bulgarian Medical Journal

Section

Scientific reviews

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How to Cite

Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule – clinical aspects, pathophysiology and therapeutic possibilities (I. Yungareva, N. Smilov, Y. Velevska, A. Trenovski, & S. Marina , Trans.). (2026). Bulgarian Medical Journal, 20(1), 25-29. https://journals.mu-sofia.bg/index.php/bmj/article/view/795