Beyond infections: tumors and malformations of the diaper area

While most common diaper-related conditions are easily resolved, the diaper region may be the site of a variety of tumors (either benign or malignant) and other abnormalities that may require completely unique treatment approaches.

This review sought to catalogue the various conditions and complications that may arise in the diaper area during the first few years of life.

To identify studies included in this review, computerized searches were undertaken in the PubMed and Medline databases using the term tumors of the diaper region with the following terms: tumors, malformations, diaper region, and infant. Searches were limited to studies published between 1995 and 2014.

The most common types of tumor in the diaper region are called infantile hemangiomas, which vary in presentation between superficial, deep, segmental, and abortive or minimal. Vascular malformations may also occur in the diaper region, in either isolation or as part of a condition that affects the development of blood vessels, soft tissues, and bones. A range of soft tissue tumors and hamartomas may also occur in the diaper region. Other recently described rare conditions are plaque-like myofibroblastic tumor of infancy (PMTI), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, which can manifest as congenital or acquired lesions.

A range of conditions may arise in the diaper area during the first years of life that may require attention. Vigilant monitoring by parents and pediatricians, appropriate identification, and diagnosis and treatment will help retain health for these young patients.