Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 2, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Unilateral Bumps on Occipital Skull in a 9-Year-Old Girl

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Dermoid cyst: A common benign tumor that can present as a bump on the scalp, often found on the occipital region. It is usually present at birth but may become more noticeable during childhood.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Epidermoid cyst: Similar to dermoid cysts, epidermoid cysts are benign growths that can occur on the scalp, including the occipital area. They are typically filled with a cheesy material and can become inflamed.
  • Pilar cyst: Also known as trichilemmal cysts, these are benign cysts that originate from the hair follicle and are commonly found on the scalp. They can present as firm, mobile bumps.
  • Hemangioma: A benign vascular tumor that can appear as a bump on the scalp. Although they are more common on the face, they can occur anywhere, including the occipital region.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH): A rare disorder that can cause lesions on the skull, among other symptoms. It's crucial to consider LCH due to its potential for serious complications, including diabetes insipidus and bone lesions.
  • Osteoma: A benign bone tumor that can occur on the skull, including the occipital bone. While usually asymptomatic, an osteoma can cause a noticeable bump.
  • Ewing's sarcoma: A rare but aggressive bone cancer that can present with a lump on the skull. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Neurofibroma: A benign nerve sheath tumor associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). It can present as a bump on the scalp but is less common in the occipital region.
  • Osteochondroma: A type of benign bone tumor that can occur near the growth plates of bones, including those in the skull. It's rare for osteochondromas to present on the occipital bone.
  • Rhabdoid tumor: A rare, aggressive tumor that can occur in various parts of the body, including the brain and scalp. It's essential to consider due to its poor prognosis if not treated promptly.

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.