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Differential Diagnosis for 11-month-old with Green Vaginal Discharge

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Normal vaginal discharge: In infants, a small amount of vaginal discharge can be normal due to the influence of maternal hormones. The discharge can sometimes appear greenish due to the presence of cells and other debris. This condition is benign and resolves on its own.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Vaginal foreign body: Young children may insert small objects into their vagina, leading to an infection or irritation that causes green discharge. This is a common issue in toddlers who are curious about their bodies.
  • Bacterial vaginosis or other infections: Though less common in this age group, bacterial infections can cause changes in vaginal discharge, including color and consistency.
  • Urogenital tract infection: Infections of the urinary tract or other parts of the genital area can sometimes cause abnormal discharge.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Sexual abuse: Although rare and unfortunate, sexual abuse must be considered in any case of unusual genital findings in a child. It's crucial to investigate any signs of trauma or infection thoroughly.
  • Congenital anomalies of the urogenital tract: Certain congenital conditions can lead to abnormal discharge due to anatomical issues. These conditions are critical to identify early for proper management.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Tumor or cyst: Rarely, a green vaginal discharge in an infant could be a sign of a tumor or cyst in the genital area, such as a botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma (a type of cancer) or a vaginal cyst.
  • Systemic infections: Certain systemic infections, though rare, can manifest with unusual symptoms such as green vaginal discharge in infants.

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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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