Differential Diagnosis for Abscess
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bacterial infection (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes): This is the most common cause of abscesses, and the presentation of localized pain, swelling, and pus points towards a bacterial infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Folliculitis or furuncle: These are infections of the hair follicle and can present similarly to an abscess.
- Carbuncle: A cluster of furuncles that can form a larger abscess-like lesion.
- Sebaceous cyst or epidermoid cyst infection: These benign cysts can become infected and present as an abscess.
- Infected foreign body: A foreign object, such as a splinter or needle, can cause a localized infection that resembles an abscess.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Necrotizing fasciitis: A life-threatening infection that can present with similar symptoms to an abscess, but requires prompt surgical intervention.
- Gas gangrene: A severe infection caused by Clostridium perfringens that can present with crepitus and severe pain.
- Tuberculous abscess: Although less common, tuberculosis can cause abscesses, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Actinomycosis: A rare bacterial infection that can cause abscesses, especially in the face and neck.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Parasitic infections (e.g., amoebiasis, echinococcosis): These infections can cause abscesses, but are relatively rare and often associated with travel or specific exposures.
- Fungal infections (e.g., cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis): Fungal abscesses are rare and typically occur in immunocompromised individuals.
- Neoplastic processes (e.g., metastatic disease, lymphoma): Although rare, some cancers can present with abscess-like lesions.