A Case of Omphalith

Omphalith is a compaction of keratinous and sebaceous material in the deeply set umbilicus. It may be clinically mistaken for a malignant melanoma because of its pigmented surface and sudden appearance. However, careful probing and removal of this umbilical mass, followed by histopathological examination readily identifies its true nature. We describe a patient who presented with a firm, black umbilical mass diagnosed as an omphalith and reviewed the differential diagnosis of a firm, black umbilical mass.

A Case of Omphalith / 대한피부과학회지

Omphalith generally consists of keratinous materials and sebum. It gradually forms a stone-like hard, dark brown to a black mass in elderly persons with deep umbilical depression and not clean umbilicus. A 75 years old male noticed a brownish black nodule on the umbilical depression 2 weeks ago. He did not try to remove it. This nodule gradually became to project from umbilical depression accompanied with intermittent pain. Removed specimen was brownish black stonelike on projecting polypoid lesion, but in umbilical depression, yellowish brown and not so hard. Histopathological examination showed a small quantity of melanin granules, but no nuclear components of cells.