Clinical and histopathological profile of lesions of umbilicus

Abstract

Background: Although lesions of umbilicus are encountered in clinical practice on a regular basis, surgical intervention is rarely required for them. Umbilical tissues are uncommonly received for histopathology. They formed 0.18% of the total specimens received. Aims: To study the clinical and histopathological characteristics of umbilical lesions received in the Surgical Pathology Department of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a 2-year retrospective study. Records of the cases were reviewed and the histopathology slides were reassessed. Results: A total of 15 cases were found between the age range of 9 months and 45 years, with a male preponderance. Complaints of umbilical discharge/wet umbilicus and umbilical mass were the most common. In four cases, the umbilical lesion was associated with underlying congenital anomaly. Umbilical sinus (four cases) and umbilical granuloma (three cases) were the most common histopathological diagnosis. Two of the sinuses were pilonidal sinuses, which are rare lesions in this location. Conclusion: Umbilical mass or discharge associated with abdominal symptoms requires careful evaluation for congenital anomalies. Pilonidal sinus should be considered in a young hirsute patient with wet umbilicus.

Keywords

• Persistent vitelline duct
• pilonidal sinus
• umbilical granuloma
• umbilical lesions
• umbilical sinus
• urachal anomalies