An umbilical granuloma (gran-you-LOW-ma) is a small, red stalk of scar tissue that stays on a newborn baby's bellybutton after the umbilical cord has fallen off.
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord carries nutrients and oxygen from a mother to her unborn baby. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut and a small piece is left attached to the baby. This part of the cord usually falls off on its own within 1 to 3 weeks after birth. In some cases, however, the healing process is delayed and extra scar tissue forms at the base of the cord after it has fallen off.
Umbilical granulomas cause no pain, but they may discharge a fluid that can make the surrounding skin appear red and irritated.
Umbilical granulomas are easily treated with simple procedures and cause no lasting problems.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
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