HEAD MASS OR SWELLING

Smaller localized, freely movable masses are the sebaceous cysts, hematomas, lipomas, and lymph nodes. Masses that seem to be attached to the skull are osteomas, dermoid cysts, and sarcomas. Brain tumor tissue may occasionally protrude out beneath the scalp through a craniotomy defect. Mastoiditis may spread to the subcutaneous tissues also. In the newborn, there may be edema of the scalp (called caput succedaneum) following a vertex delivery due to molding or a large hematoma over one or both parietal bones (called cephalhematoma) due to the trauma of delivery. There may be meningoceles or encephalomeningoceles due to imperfect closure of the skull (cranium bifidum). Vascular abnormalities of the skin may be found and include angiomas, arteriovenous fistulas, and telangiectasis.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

A skull x-ray will help distinguish the bone lesions, whereas aspiration or biopsy will help distinguish the others. Referral to the appropriate specialist would be the most cost-effective approach.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

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More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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