Ovarian cancer presenting as umbilical hernia

Six patients are reported whose presenting symptom was umbilical herniation. Upon exploration of the umbilicus with the intent to repair the hernia, ovarian cancer and malignant ascites were encountered in each individual. Cancer at the umbilicus, both metastatic and primary, is briefly discussed. The apperance of an acquired umbilical hernia in an otherwise asymptomatic patient should raise the suspicion of intraabdominal malignancy.