Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presenting umbilical hernia and Sister Mary Joseph's nodule
Kota Tsuruya1, Masashi Matsushima, Takayuki Nakajima
1Kota Tsuruya, Masashi Matsushima, Takayuki Nakajima, Mia Fujisawa, Katsuya Shirakura, Muneki Igarashi, Jun Koike, Takayoshi Suzuki, Tetsuya Mine, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara 259-1193, Japan.
Abstract:
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare aggressive tumor of the peritoneum. An increasing number of malignant mesothelioma cases have been reported in recent years. We report here a very rare case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with both umbilical hernia and umbilical metastasis which is also called Sister Mary Joseph's nodule. We performed laparoscopy which showed specific laparoscopic findings, and the pathological findings of the biopsy specimen led to the diagnosis. This case was associated with umbilical hernia which could be induced by massive ascites. A newly developed abdominal hernia should be noted as a primary symptom of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, as shown in the present case.
Insights
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare aggressive cancer, can present as an umbilical hernia with metastasis. This case highlights the importance of considering this rare presentation for early diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive tumor originating in the peritoneum.
- Recent years have seen an increase in reported cases of malignant mesothelioma.
- Umbilical metastasis, known as Sister Mary Joseph's nodule, is a rare sign of intra-abdominal malignancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an extremely rare case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presenting with both an umbilical hernia and umbilical metastasis.
- To emphasize the diagnostic significance of umbilical hernia as a potential primary symptom of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, revealing characteristic laparoscopic findings.
- Pathological examination of a biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
Main Results:
- The case presented with a unique combination of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, umbilical hernia, and Sister Mary Joseph's nodule.
- The umbilical hernia was potentially caused by massive ascites associated with the tumor.
Conclusions:
- A newly developed umbilical hernia can be a significant primary symptom of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
- This case underscores the need to consider malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in the differential diagnosis of umbilical hernias, especially when accompanied by metastatic signs.
