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.