Umbilical Granuloma (Tissue Growth After Cord Falls Off)
The short answer
An umbilical granuloma is a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth that can form at the belly button after the umbilical cord stump falls off. It is not painful and is very common. It usually needs to be treated with silver nitrate application by your pediatrician to help it dry up and heal, which is a quick and painless in-office procedure.
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By Age
What to expect by age
After the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually 1-3 weeks after birth), you may notice a small, moist, pinkish-red tissue growth at the belly button. This is an umbilical granuloma. It may ooze a small amount of clear or slightly yellow fluid and does not heal on its own like the rest of the cord site. It is not infected and does not cause your baby any pain. Your pediatrician can treat it by applying silver nitrate, a chemical that cauterizes the tissue, usually requiring 1-3 applications. This procedure is quick, painless, and done in the office.
If treated, the umbilical granuloma should heal within 1-2 weeks after silver nitrate application. Some granulomas require more than one treatment. If the granuloma has not been treated or is not responding to treatment, your pediatrician will assess whether further intervention is needed. Keep the area clean and dry between treatments.
Umbilical granulomas that persist despite treatment or that are very large may occasionally need to be tied off or surgically removed, though this is uncommon. If the belly button area continues to drain or has not healed, consult your pediatrician.
An umbilical granuloma should be fully resolved by this age. Persistent drainage or tissue at the belly button beyond 6 months may warrant further evaluation to rule out other causes such as an umbilical polyp or urachal remnant.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off
- Small amount of clear or slightly yellow drainage from the granuloma
- The surrounding skin is not red, swollen, or tender
- Baby is not in pain and the area does not smell bad
- You notice a growth at the belly button after the cord stump falls off
- The granuloma is not improving after silver nitrate treatment
- The area continues to drain clear fluid for more than a few weeks
- The belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection
- Bleeding from the belly button that does not stop with gentle pressure, or fever in your newborn
Sources
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Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Medical Concerns
Umbilical Cord Stump Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding or oozing from the umbilical cord stump is common, especially as it separates or after it falls off. A few drops of blood on the diaper or a slight ooze that stops with gentle pressure is typically normal. However, active or persistent bleeding that soaks the diaper or does not stop with gentle pressure needs medical attention.
Umbilical Cord Stump Infection
An umbilical cord stump infection (omphalitis) is a serious but uncommon condition in newborns. Signs include redness spreading around the base of the stump, foul-smelling discharge, swelling, and warmth. While minor oozing or a small amount of clear or slightly bloody discharge is normal during healing, any significant redness, pus, or odor warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Oozing After Cord Falls Off
A small amount of clear or slightly bloody fluid from the belly button after the cord stump falls off is common and usually harmless. This minor oozing typically resolves within a few days with gentle cleaning and keeping the area dry. Persistent oozing may indicate an umbilical granuloma, which your pediatrician can easily treat.
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