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

**Authors:** Nur Hidayah Mohd Fauzi, Nik Ahmad Zuky Nik Lah, Siti Masitah Hamzah, W Fadhlina W Adnan, Adibah Ibrahim, Noorul Balqis Che Ibrahim, Engku Ismail Engku-Husna

PMC · DOI: 10.51866/tyk.453 · Malaysian Family Physician : the Official Journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia · 2025-07-14

## TL;DR

A rare umbilical nodule in a postmenopausal woman can signal advanced cancer and requires prompt medical attention.

## Contribution

This case highlights the importance of recognizing Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule as a potential sign of metastatic endometrial carcinoma.

## Key findings

- A 58-year-old woman with a dark umbilical lesion was diagnosed with metastatic endometrial carcinoma.
- Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule can be the first sign of an occult primary cancer in primary care settings.

## 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.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** endometrial carcinoma (MONDO:0002447)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** endometrial carcinoma (MESH:D016889), primary (MESH:D010538), Sister Mary Joseph's nodule (MESH:D058288), intraabdominal malignancy (MESH:D059413), cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12334313/full.md

## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12334313/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12334313