Differential Diagnosis for Soft Fleshy Lesion on Skin of Scalp
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Seborrheic Keratosis: A common, benign skin growth that can appear as a soft, fleshy lesion, often on the scalp. It's more common with age and can be pigmented, making it a likely candidate for a circular, soft lesion on the scalp.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cyst (Epidermoid or Pilar): These are benign cysts that can form on the scalp, appearing as soft, fleshy lesions. They can be mobile and are usually not tender unless infected.
- Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which can occur on the scalp, presenting as a soft, movable mass under the skin.
- Neurofibroma: A benign nerve sheath tumor that can appear as a soft, fleshy lesion on the scalp, especially in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: Although less common on the scalp, basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can present as a fleshy lesion. It's crucial to diagnose early due to its potential for local destruction.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Another form of skin cancer that can appear on the scalp, often as a firm, growing lesion, but can sometimes present as soft and fleshy, especially in its early stages.
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A rare but aggressive skin cancer that can appear as a firm, painless nodule or lesion on the scalp, emphasizing the importance of not missing this diagnosis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP): A rare skin cancer that can appear as a soft, fleshy lesion, often on the trunk or scalp. It grows slowly but can be locally aggressive.
- Angiosarcoma: A rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates from the lining of blood vessels, can appear on the scalp as a bruise-like lesion or a soft, fleshy mass, and has a high mortality rate if not treated promptly.
- Kaposi's Sarcoma: A rare cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels, can appear as soft, fleshy lesions on the scalp, especially in immunocompromised individuals.