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Differential Diagnosis for Bumps on a Child's Head

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Dermoid cyst: A common benign growth that can appear as a bump on the head, often present at birth or developing during childhood. It is usually harmless and may be removed surgically if necessary.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Epidermoid cyst: Similar to a dermoid cyst but containing only skin cells and keratin, often appearing as a firm, movable bump under the skin.
  • Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which can appear as a soft, movable bump on the head.
  • Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels, which can cause a bump on the head, often resulting from trauma or injury.
  • Abscess or boil: A localized infection that can cause a painful bump on the head, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and pus.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Meningioma: A rare, usually benign tumor arising from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause a bump on the head if it grows through the skull.
  • Osteoma: A benign bone tumor that can appear as a hard, fixed bump on the head, which may be associated with a genetic condition.
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma: A rare, malignant tumor of soft tissue that can appear as a bump on the head, often accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
  • Neuroblastoma: A rare, malignant tumor that can arise in the head or neck, often appearing as a bump or mass.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Ewing's sarcoma: A rare, malignant bone tumor that can appear as a bump on the head, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and fatigue.
  • Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A rare disorder characterized by an overproduction of immune cells, which can cause bumps or lesions on the head, often accompanied by other systemic symptoms.
  • Cephalohematoma: A rare condition characterized by bleeding between the skull and its outer covering, often appearing as a bump on the head, usually in newborns.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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