Differential Diagnosis for a Bump on the Right Side of the Head in a 12-Year-Old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Traumatic hematoma or contusion: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of a bump on the head, which is often caused by a fall or blunt trauma. The age of the patient and the location of the bump support this diagnosis, as children are prone to accidents and injuries.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cyst or benign tumor (e.g., epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst): These can present as a bump on the scalp and are relatively common in children and adolescents.
- Infected sebaceous cyst or folliculitis: Infection of a sebaceous cyst or follicle can cause a bump on the scalp, which may be tender and inflamed.
- Lipoma: A benign fatty tumor that can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp, presenting as a soft, movable bump.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteomyelitis or skull abscess: Although less common, these conditions can present with a bump on the scalp and are serious infections that require prompt medical attention.
- Meningioma: A rare type of brain tumor that can cause a bump on the scalp, although this would be extremely uncommon in a child.
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A rare disorder that can cause lesions on the scalp, among other symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Neurofibroma: A rare benign tumor of the nerve tissue that can occur on the scalp.
- Dermatofibroma: A rare, benign skin growth that can appear as a bump on the scalp.
- Metastatic tumor: Extremely rare in children, but a bump on the scalp could potentially be a metastasis from another primary cancer, highlighting the importance of a thorough medical evaluation.