Differential Diagnosis for a Swollen and Tender Area in the Right Pubic Mons
The differential diagnosis for a swollen and tender area in the right pubic mons can be categorized as follows:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Folliculitis or Furuncle (Boil): This is a common condition caused by bacterial infection of the hair follicles, leading to inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. The pubic mons area is prone to folliculitis due to friction, sweat, and bacterial colonization.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Ingrown Hair (Pseudofolliculitis): This condition occurs when hair curls back into the skin, causing inflammation, redness, and tenderness. It is common in areas with curly hair, such as the pubic region.
- Sebaceous Cyst: A benign cyst that can become inflamed and tender, often due to infection or blockage of the sebaceous gland.
- Lipoma: A benign fatty tumor that can cause a swollen and tender area, although tenderness is less common.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Necrotizing Fasciitis: A life-threatening bacterial infection that causes rapid progression of inflammation and necrosis of the skin and underlying tissues. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent mortality.
- Abscess: A collection of pus that can cause severe pain, swelling, and tenderness. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, such as sepsis.
- Epididymitis or Orchitis: Inflammation of the epididymis or testis, which can cause pain and swelling in the groin area, including the pubic mons.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A chronic skin condition characterized by recurrent, painful abscesses and nodules in the apocrine-gland-bearing areas, such as the pubic region.
- Kerion: A severe form of tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) that can cause a swollen, tender, and sometimes pus-filled lesion on the scalp or other areas, including the pubic mons.
- Cutaneous Metastasis: A rare condition where cancer cells from a primary site metastasize to the skin, causing a swollen and tender area. This is more common in patients with a history of cancer.