Primary umbilical adenocarcinoma. A case report and review of literature.

A case of primary adenocarcinoma of the umbilicus is reported along with a review of the literature and discussion of possible origins of glandular tissue within this area. Multiple connections are present within the umbilicus (vascular, lymphatic, and embryologic) that may give this area access to metastatic lesions. The primary tumors may originate within the usual umbilical tissue (skin and soft tissue). Glands that are not normally present in the region of the umbilicus rarely develop malignant neoplasms. As postulated, glandular tissue may arise either as metaplasia from squamous epithelium or from glandular embryologic rests including omphalomesenteric duct remnants and urachal remnants.