Umbilical Granuloma/Polyp
After normal separation of the umbilical cord; pink, healing tissue called granulation tissue may persist in the belly button and enlarge into a mass called an umbilical granuloma . This is often associated with umbilical drainage and swelling with redness of the surrounding skin. Small granulomas may be successfully treated by several applications of a burning chemical called silver nitrate. Larger granulomas may require a small operation. If infection is present antibiotics are helpful.
Umbilical granuloma (arrow) in a newborn. |
An umbilical polyp is a glistening, cherry-red nodule that may be seen in the umbilicus after separation of the cord. They occur much less commonly than a granuloma. This nodule can be a remainder of fetal small intestine. Rarely, the polyp may contain stomach lining tissue that may produce erosion of the adjacent skin from the acid it produces. Umbilical polyps are often mistaken for granulomas and may be distinguished by the fact that, unlike granulomas, they do not go away after treatment with silver nitrate.
Article and graphics adapted from O'Neill: Principles of Pediatric Surgery. © 2003, Elsevier.