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Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Back of the Head Small Movable Palpable Lumps in a 6-Week-Old Baby

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Occipital bone soft spots or fontanelles with overlying soft tissue: This is a common finding in infants, where the bones of the skull have not yet fused, and the soft spots can sometimes be mistaken for lumps. The presence of these soft spots is normal and expected in infants of this age.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Benign scalp lesions (e.g., epidermal inclusion cysts, sebaceous cysts): These are common, benign growths that can appear as small, movable lumps on the scalp. They are usually non-tender and not red, fitting the description provided.
  • Lymph nodes: Although less common in this specific location and age group, enlarged lymph nodes can present as movable, non-tender lumps. However, their presence might indicate an underlying infection or other condition that warrants further investigation.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Neuroblastoma: Although rare, neuroblastoma can present with masses in the neck or head. Early detection is crucial for treatment outcomes, making it a "do not miss" diagnosis despite its low likelihood.
  • Leukemia or lymphoma: These conditions can cause lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) that might be palpable as lumps. Given the potential severity of these conditions, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Dermoid cysts: These are rare, benign cysts that can appear on the scalp. They are usually present at birth and can grow slowly over time.
  • Hemangiomas: Although more commonly found on the face, hemangiomas can occasionally appear on the scalp. They are benign vascular tumors that can grow rapidly during the first year of life.
  • Rhabdoid tumors: Extremely rare and aggressive tumors that can present as masses in various parts of the body, including the head. Their inclusion in the differential is due to their potential severity rather than likelihood.

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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