Differential Diagnosis for Blood Coming Out of Belly Button
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Umbilical granuloma: This is a common cause of bleeding from the belly button, especially in newborns or after umbilical cord stump separation. It's usually a benign condition that can be treated with topical applications.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Umbilical hernia: Although not typically associated with bleeding, an umbilical hernia can cause irritation or ulceration of the overlying skin, potentially leading to bleeding.
- Omphalitis: This is an infection of the umbilicus, which can cause bleeding, discharge, and other symptoms. It's more common in newborns but can occur in adults as well.
- Endometriosis: In rare cases, endometrial tissue can implant in the umbilicus, causing cyclical bleeding that coincides with menstrual periods.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cancer (e.g., metastatic disease): Although rare, cancer can metastasize to the umbilicus, causing bleeding. This is often referred to as Sister Mary Joseph nodule.
- Intra-abdominal shunt infection or malfunction: In patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, bleeding from the umbilicus can be a sign of shunt infection or malfunction.
- Aortic aneurysm or other vascular anomalies: In rare cases, bleeding from the umbilicus can be a sign of a underlying vascular anomaly, such as an aortic aneurysm.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Patent urachus: This is a rare congenital anomaly where the urachus, a tube connecting the bladder to the umbilicus, fails to close. It can cause bleeding, discharge, or urinary leakage from the umbilicus.
- Umbilical polyp or tumor: Benign or malignant tumors can occur in the umbilicus, causing bleeding or other symptoms.
- Foreign body reaction: In rare cases, a foreign body (e.g., a piece of clothing or a piercing) can cause an inflammatory reaction, leading to bleeding from the umbilicus.