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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.

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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