Differential Diagnosis for a 2-Year History of Increasing Lump after a Dog Bite
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Chronic abscess or infected cyst: This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of a dog bite, which can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to infection. The increasing lump could be a sign of a chronic abscess or an infected cyst that has developed over time.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Suture granuloma: If the dog bite required sutures, a suture granuloma could form, causing a lump at the site of the wound.
- Keloid or hypertrophic scarring: The trauma from the dog bite could lead to the formation of a keloid or hypertrophic scar, which can appear as a lump.
- Infected dog bite wound with retained foreign body: It's possible that a foreign body, such as a tooth fragment, was left in the wound during the dog bite, leading to a chronic infection and the formation of a lump.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Rabies: Although rare, rabies is a potentially deadly disease that can be transmitted through a dog bite. It's essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the dog's vaccination status is unknown.
- Tetanus: Another potentially deadly disease that can be transmitted through a dog bite is tetanus. If the wound was not properly cleaned and tetanus prophylaxis was not administered, this diagnosis should be considered.
- Malignant transformation: In rare cases, a chronic wound or scar can undergo malignant transformation, leading to the development of a cancerous tumor.
- Rare diagnoses
- Echinococcosis: This is a rare parasitic infection that can be transmitted through a dog bite, causing the formation of a cyst or lump.
- Actinomycosis: This is a rare bacterial infection that can cause the formation of a lump or abscess, especially in the presence of a foreign body or trauma.
- Mycobacterial infection: Certain types of mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium canis, can be transmitted through a dog bite, causing a chronic infection and the formation of a lump.