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Visceral neoplasia presenting at the umbilicus
Author(s) -
Scarpa Francis J.,
Dineen Joseph P.,
Boltax Robert S.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930110410
Subject(s) - umbilicus (mollusc) , medicine , ovary , adenocarcinoma , pancreas , abdominal mass , general surgery , surgery , cancer
An umbilical mass as the presenting and only symptom of an underlying visceral carcinoma is an infrequent occurrence. The implications of such a finding are illustrated by four examples, with primary tumors in pancreas, colon, and ovary. Adenocarcinoma in the umbilicus represents a metastatic deposit until proved otherwise. Further diagnostic evaluation to localize the primary tumor should be based upon therapeutic implications. The need for abdominal exploration must be individualized.