Omphalith

Omphalolith: An underdiagnosed entity

Omphalolith is a rare and underdiagnosed entity due to the accumulation of sebum and keratin in the umbilicus. It usually occurs in the elderly with deep and narrow umbilicus. Early recognition of omphalolith is important to prevent complications, unnecessary investigations, and anxiety. We report herein two new cases of omphalolith.

Lesions of the umbilicus: what the minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon needs to know about the belly button

The umbilicus is viewed as a portal by the laparoscopic surgeon, a doorway to the real business at hand. However, the umbilicus itself may be the site of a variety of lesional conditions. Some of these may be iatrogenic, caused by prior surgical interventions, such as endometriosis or seeding of a malignant neoplasm. Some may be the initial presenting complaint. This review discusses umbilical lesions that may be encountered by the minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon.

[Omphalolith: a bewildering presentation]

Les omphalolithes sont des concrétions crayeuses constituées de débris de kératine et de sébum, qui s’accumulent au niveau de l’ombilic. Peu d’observations ont été rapportées dans la littérature. Elles sont l’apanage des ombilics profonds, et sont parfois associées à une mauvaise hygiène. Elles peuvent passer inaperçues pendant des années ne se révélant qu’en cas d’inflammation, d’infection ou d’ulcération. Nous rapportons un cas particulier d’omphalolithe révélé par une tumeur ombilicale d’aspect framboisé.

Umbilical concretion

Umbilical concretion is a rarely encountered benign entity. Concretions typically form within an umbilical cleft which is unusually deep and consist of keratinaceous and sebaceous material. Lack of attention to umbilical hygiene usually plays a role in their formation. Concretions are generally asymptomatic and may only present clinically when complicated by inflammation or infection. Their appearance on imaging studies may be problematic for the radiologist given their rarity, particularly in the setting of a known or suspected intra-abdominal malignancy.