Differential Diagnosis for Belly Button Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Umbilical hernia: This is a common condition where part of the intestine bulges through an opening in the abdominal muscles near the belly button, often causing pain and discomfort.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Umbilical granuloma: A small, inflamed growth that can occur in the belly button, often causing pain, discharge, or bleeding.
- Omphalitis: An infection of the umbilicus, which can cause pain, redness, swelling, and discharge.
- Irritation or infection of the belly button (e.g., from a piercing or poor hygiene): Bacterial or fungal infections can cause pain, redness, and discharge in the belly button area.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Appendicitis: Although the appendix is located in the lower right abdomen, referred pain can sometimes be felt around the belly button, especially in early stages.
- Intestinal obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, including around the belly button, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus can cause severe abdominal pain, including around the belly button, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Primary umbilical endometriosis: A rare condition where endometrial tissue grows in the umbilicus, causing cyclical pain and bleeding.
- Desmoid tumor: A rare, benign tumor that can occur in the abdominal wall, including near the belly button, and can cause pain and discomfort.
- Patent urachus: A rare congenital condition where the tube that connects the bladder to the umbilicus fails to close, causing pain, discharge, or infection.