Differential Diagnosis for Yellowness of the Skin

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Jaundice due to liver dysfunction: This is the most common cause of yellowness of the skin, which occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin in the blood due to liver problems such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Hemolytic anemia: This condition involves the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to an increase in bilirubin levels and subsequent jaundice.
  • Pancreatic cancer: A tumor in the pancreas can block the bile duct, causing a buildup of bilirubin and resulting in jaundice.
  • Gallstones: Blockage of the bile duct by gallstones can also lead to jaundice.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Septicemia: In rare cases, severe infections can cause jaundice, and it is crucial to identify and treat the underlying infection promptly to prevent serious complications.
  • Malignant obstruction of the bile duct: This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Carotenemia: A harmless condition caused by excessive consumption of carotenoid-rich foods, such as carrots, leading to a yellow discoloration of the skin.
  • Dubin-Johnson syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to transport bilirubin, resulting in chronic jaundice.
  • Crigler-Najjar syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the liver's ability to process bilirubin, leading to severe jaundice.