umbilical granuloma

Last reviewed 01/2018

An umbilical granuloma occurs where the inflammatory process at the umbilicus becomes florid with excess granulation tissue preventing the raw area from developing new epithelial tissue.

The usual process after the umbilical cord has been severed and tied is for the small remnant to shrivel and fall off. The chronic inflammation at the line of demarcation is then quickly covered by epithelium. Interruption of this is commonly because of infection.

The patient presents with a pouting umbilicus surmounted by a bright red, moist, friable, sometimes hemispherical mass of granulation tissue.

This condition is similar to the pyogenic granuloma seen in other parts of the skin and to umbilical polyps. It usually responds to silver nitrate cauterisation.