Introduction:
A granuloma is described as a clump of tissue on the body that may result in inflammation or infection. Umbilical cord granulomas can be associated with other medical-related conditions. Still, when they form in the belly button after a newborn’s umbilical cord has fallen off, it is due to the development of scar tissue during the healing process. American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) states that in 500 newborns, at least one newborn will have an umbilical granuloma.
What Is Umbilical Cord Granuloma?
An umbilical cord granuloma is a small red bump of tissue that can develop in a newborn’s belly button during the first few weeks after birth. Many babies may develop a granuloma and may not have any problems. However, some umbilical granulomas can get infected. In rare cases, adults can also form umbilical granulomas, which can be very painful.
The umbilical cord connects the unborn baby to the mother in the uterus, which provides them with all the important nutrition and nourishment for the growth and development of the fetus. After birth, the cord is no longer required. It is ligated and then cut. This process may leave a small stump.
Mostly in many cases, the umbilical cord stump dries up and falls off the newborn in the first few weeks of life. But sometimes, after the falls of the stump, granuloma still forms. Granuloma is nothing but a small mass of pinkish-red tissue. The granuloma may be moist, and the area around it may be inflamed or infected.
What Causes Umbilical Cord Granuloma?
Umbilical granulomas is a pinkish-red tissue that develops in the belly button area. Most umbilical granulomas form when the belly button is healing after the umbilical cord falls off or is removed. It appears like small red lumps in the child’s navel area. The granuloma seems a little shiny and covered in a clear discharge.
As a baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, and a small tissue stump remains on the baby’s stomach. Generally, the tissue stump will fall off on its own and heal without causing any problems to the baby. However, in some rare cases, an umbilical granuloma may be developed where the stump fell off.
Umbilical granuloma can be developed in adults rarely. These granulomas are caused by trauma to the bully button. In adults, one of the most common causes of umbilical granuloma is navel piercing. Meanwhile, granulomas in babies are not at all painful; they may be painful in adults. If pus emerges from the lump, it is a sign of infection. A person may need antibiotics to treat it. But if a person experiences pain and swelling around the belly button, it may also be an umbilical hernia.
Other Umbilical Cord Problems
It is always recommended that patients should always be on the lookout for signs of infection in their newborn’s belly button. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that an umbilical infection might lead to the following:
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It may cause more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Irritability.
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Newborns may feel distressed when they get touched.
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It makes the surrounding area look bright red and inflamed.
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It may ooze yellow fluid or pus.
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It can produce a foul-smelling discharge.
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One of the common umbilical cord problems is an umbilical hernia.
Per the APSA, about 20 % of babies may develop an umbilical hernia. It is a condition where the muscles around the belly button are not fully connected. This may lead to bulging out of internal tissue through the belly button and is often most noticeable when a baby is crying. Like granulomas, hernias are also not painful for the baby.
How to Treat Umbilical Cord Granuloma?
In most cases, treating granulomas is simple and easy. The child’s doctor (pediatrician) will probably be able to treat and remove the lump in the clinic itself without any major surgical procedures.
Umbilical cord granuloma’s treatment includes
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Silver Nitrate: Umbilical granulomas in babies do not have any nerve endings, so they can be treated with a small amount of silver nitrate. The doctor will first clean the area around the belly button and then place the silver nitrate on the granuloma, and it will burn off the tissue. The baby will not feel any pain or any other sensation during this process. However, adults may need a topical anesthetic to anesthesia the area before the same procedure.
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Liquid Nitrogen: Liquid nitrogen is used for treating umbilical cord granuloma. The liquid nitrogen is very cold and can freeze the lump immediately. As the lump gets frozen, the granuloma tissue dissolves and falls off on its own.
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Suture Thread Ties: In this procedure, the doctor may tie off the granuloma with a suture thread. This will restrict the blood flow to the lump. Gradually, the lump will dry up and shrivel.
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Salt: A homely way to dry out the granuloma is by using salt. Granulomas are covered in clear mucus, and the salt can help in drying them out. The doctor can give instructions on how to apply salt to the granuloma safely.
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Surgery: In rare and severe cases, an umbilical cord granuloma may need surgical removal. This is the most common treatment modality for infected granulomas because surgical removal is the quickest treatment. If the baby’s granuloma is infected, surgery will help stop the spread of infection and help them recover more quickly.
How to Take Care of Umbilical Cord Granuloma After Surgery?
It is important and recommended to take proper care of the umbilical cord granuloma after surgery. In general, a person has to keep the belly button clean and dry during this time. Gently clean the belly button with warm water and soap. It is most important to follow the instructions of the pediatrician for any treatment, especially if the baby is being treated with silver nitrate.
Exposure to air will help the belly button to heal. The patient should avoid placing the baby in bathwater until the belly button has healed.
How to Prevent Umbilical Granuloma Infections?
Granulomas are a type of scar tissue it is a bit difficult to prevent. However, if the baby develops a granuloma, parents should try to prevent infections. The best way to prevent infections is to protect the baby’s belly button and keep the area clean. Gently wiping the area down with warm soap and water can prevent drainage and bacteria from building up. The child’s doctor may have other recommendations, as well. Always follow their instructions for taking care of the baby’s navel.
Conclusion:
Umbilical cord granuloma is a common problem seen in newborns and it can be treated easily. Parents should be aware of such problems. If the baby has a fever, rash, bleeding, swelling, or bad-smelling drainage around the belly button, the parents should seek medical help for the removal of the granuloma. Granuloma should be taken care of and it is important to prevent inflammation or infection of the belly button.
