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Umbilical metastases: Real-world data shows abysmal outcome
Niek Hugen1,2, Heleen Kanne3, Femke Simmer3
1Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Cancer
|May 15, 2021
Summary
Umbilical metastases, often the first sign of unknown cancers, are rare and mainly from intra-abdominal tumors. Survival depends on the primary cancer
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Umbilical metastases present a diagnostic challenge, particularly when the primary tumor is unknown.
- These metastases can be the initial clinical manifestation of an underlying malignancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origins and patient survival associated with umbilical metastases.
- To analyze population-based data to understand the epidemiology of umbilical metastases.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide review of pathology records from 1979-2015.
- Data sourced from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and PALGA.
- Statistical analysis included Kaplan-Meier, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models.
Main Results:
- 806 patients with umbilical metastases were identified.
- Common origins: ovaries (38.8%) in females and colon (43.8%) in males.
- Primary tumor remained unidentified in 18% of cases.
- Median survival was 7.9 months; primary tumor origin was an independent prognostic factor.
Conclusions:
- Umbilical metastases are rare, predominantly arising from intra-abdominal cancers.
- Patient survival is significantly influenced by the primary tumor's origin.
- Early recognition is crucial due to poor overall survival rates.
