Lesson plan
Omphalolith
An omphalolith, also known as a umbolith, omphalith, navel stone, omphalokeratolith, or umbilical concretion is a periumbilical mass that may form due to the accumulation of sebum and keratin. The colour is black or brown, and may be related to the skin type of the patient. It may be caused by poor hygiene, and may form in retracted navels in obese people. It is more common in the elderly and may persist for years. Omphaloliths can be diagnosed by clinical examination and should be distinguished from metastatic malignancy, malignant melanoma, keloids, umbilical endometriosis, dermatofibroma, cholesteatoma, foreign bodies like terminal hairs (trichobezoar), and persistent omphalomesenteric duct. They may be complicated by irritation, erosions, bleeding, and infection. Removal can be accomplished by forceps, perhaps with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly.
Article summary
An omphalolith, also known as a umbolith, omphalith, navel stone, omphalokeratolith, or umbilical concretion is a periumbilical mass that may form due to the accumulation of sebum and keratin. The colour is black or brown, and may be related to the skin type of the patient. It may be caused by poor hygiene, and may form in retracted navels in obese people. It is more common in the elderly and may persist for years. Omphaloliths can be diagnosed by clinical examination and should be distinguished from metastatic malignancy, malignant melanoma, keloids, umbilical endometriosis, dermatofibroma, cholesteatoma, foreign bodies like terminal hairs (trichobezoar), and persistent omphalomesenteric duct. They may be complicated by irritation, erosions, bleeding, and infection. Removal can be accomplished by forceps, perhaps with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
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