Potts puffy tumor involves which skull region?

• A. Frontal bone
• B. Parietal bone
• C. Temporal bone
• D. Occipital bone

Answer: (A)

Potts puffy tumor is a frontal bone osteomyelitis presenting as a subperiosteal abscess on the forehead. The infection typically starts with frontal sinusitis and spreads to the frontal bone, lifting the periosteum and causing visible swelling in the forehead. The frontal region is the classic site because the frontal sinus and its drainage pathways via the diploic veins favor this location. While infections can affect other skull bones, this condition classically involves the frontal bone rather than the parietal, temporal, or occipital bones. Recognizing the frontal involvement is important due to the risk of intracranial extension, so prompt imaging and treatment focus on the frontal bone infection.