Lump behind ear

Lump behind ear is a round, more often painless formation, which appears due to increase in cervical lymph nodes.

This pathology is not a disease by itself and does not represent any danger to human health, however, often causes discomfort. In fact, it is a benign tumor or cyst, resembling tight moving ball with palpation.

There are cases when lump increases with time, reaching size of quail eggs. Atheroma can become inflamed and is filled with pus. Treatment is necessary in this situation, as some kind of infection can join given pathology.

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Causes of lump behind ear

Lump behind ear can occur for a variety of reasons, most of all due to lymph nodes inflammation. It is necessary to conduct laboratory analysis in order to establish true cause of cervical lymph node inflammation, first of all, blood test, which can be used to determine presence of inflammation or tendency of body to some lymphoproliferative disease.

Reasons of lump behind ear or factors that trigger its appearance:

• blockage of sebaceous gland due to excessive production of tallow fat;
• decreased immunity;
• adverse effects of environment onto body;
• hormonal disbalance;
• excessive sweating;
• skin damage as a result of seborrhea, acne;
• sebaceous gland infection because of piercing;
• long chill of body;
• failure to comply with personal hygiene;
• metabolic disorders;
• chronic diseases (in particular, tuberculosis, diabetes, HIV infection);
• severe burns and injuries;
• infections of respiratory apparatus and oral cavity;
• cancer of lymphatic system.

Ultrasound may be needed for true causes of lump behind ear diagnosis and identification, which will show condition of lymph node and its surrounding tissue. Lymph node biopsy method is used in more severe cases, with which you can identify abnormal cells or presence of inflammation.

Symptoms of lump behind ear

Lump behind ear may appear suddenly and grow gradually. It was identified, that size of atheroma may range from 5 to 45 millimeters.

Symptoms of ear lump at early stages of its growth may not manifest themselves and do not bother a person. The main symptom is visual manifestation of atheroma in form of tumor behind ear with clear outlines and filled with fat. However, following symptoms may occur when lump is infected, and process of suppuration develops:

• marked redness of atheroma;
• sore to touch;
• temperature rise due to inflammatory process;
• swelling;
• itching and burning behind ear;
• presence of free liquid can be revealed with palpation.

There are cases when symptoms disappear one or two weeks after the treatment, and nature of cyst may change: bump becomes more dense and motionless. This indicates on substitution of sebum by connecting cells. Lump after suppuration may reveal itself with good immunity. Contents of capsule come out in this case: pus, blood and sebum. Small scar may be left, when wound heals.

Lump behind ear in child

Lump behind ear may occur not only in adult, but also in child. What to do in such case? What can cause such a formation?

Lump behind ear in child may be of different causes. Lymphadenitis (inflammation of lymph nodes is called so) should be noted first of all among them. Disease can appear suddenly and at almost any time of year, most often against backdrop of weakened immune system or infectious nature of disease. This lump is formed under the skin, it is barely noticeable, but formation is well delineated with palpation. Child may feel pain, but there are cases when swollen lymph nodes are painless. Of course, baby should be brought to pediatrician for accurate diagnosis, who will ascribe adjuvants and physiotherapy.

Appearance of lump behind ear is often accompanied by mumps. This is an inflammatory process in parotid salivary glands. The disease has a number of other symptoms: fever, general weakness and malaise, chills, pain (especially when chewing) in neck and ears. It should be noted, that mumps is a quite serious and dangerous infectious disease, which can cause various complications. That is why it is important to see competent doctor timely for diagnosis and effective treatment of child from this disease.

Lump behind ear can occur in child due to development of atheroma or lipoma (fatty tumor). It is one of types of benign tumor, small mobile formation, which does not present any particular risk. This swelling can cause discomfort with marked increase in size. If there is such a need, lipoma excision is performed.

Fistula of ear is another reason for lump behind ear appearance in child. This disease is caused by pathology in utero development of ear in fetal. Parotid fistula is identified exactly after baby` birth. Ear fistula usually develops slowly, without causing discomfort to child. However, lump of red color and impressive size may appear with inflammation. Physicians prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs usually in such cases, and then fistula is surgically removed.

Forms

Lump in ear

Lump behind ear or in ear may occur for various reasons. Sometimes such a formation does not bother a person, but if inflammation joins, one needs emergency treatment, which is in some cases surgery.

Lump in ear is often a result of swollen lymph nodes. Formation does not cause any pain and is not itching. It happens that otitis media manifests itself in this way, which requires special treatment - instillation of anti-inflammatory drops, and in severe cases - antibiotics.

Only physician can identify main cause of lumps in ear. Therefore, if you have such a formation, you should immediately consult otolaryngologist for advice if fever, tingling, pain are accompanying symptoms. When otitis becomes chronic, it may be hazardous to hearing. Therefore, it is important to first of all get rid of cause provoking appearance of lumps in ear.

Lump in ear of large size, very painful and of red color, may signal on external ear furuncle. Lump cannot be squeezed out in this case, because it can be a factor for internal infection, which further aggravates the situation. Furuncles are treated usually with Vishnevsky ointment, which accelerates furuncle ripening. If treatment begins on time, furuncle will mature and its contents will come out. However, you cannot self-medicate, because taking any medications can only do harm without an accurate diagnosis. Otolaryngologist must examine lump in ear, define cause of its occurrence, and assign an appropriate remedy.

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Lump under ear

Lump behind ear may bother for about a number of reasons. Such clinical picture appears typically with atheroma and increase of cervical lymph node. In this case lump can be located not only behind the ear, but also below it.

Lump under the ear, which arose due to blockage of sebaceous gland (sebaceous cysts) can reach a rather large size. This kind of cyst may cause no discomfort, but causes pain and redness with inflammation, suppuration or infection. Inflamed lymph nodes or furuncle may also be causes of atheroma in addition to sebaceous gland blockage. It happens sometimes, that lump in neck under skin is a sign of malignancy, infection, or sebaceous cysts, which is also called "lipoma" ("fatty tumor "). In any case, consultation of medical specialist is necessary in case of lump appearance, he will conduct a thorough inspection, will set the accurate diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment.

It should be noted, that lump under ear may be of different shapes and sizes - from "pea" to "pigeon egg" size. Nodes causing pain may be formed on neck together with lump. Surgery may be needed with development of complications such as suppuration. Self-treatment can only worsen the disease, and in case of malignancy may cause a serious threat to life.

Also, another cause of lumps on neck under ear should be noted. These cysts can occur in women from excessive physical activities that provoke strong induration of neck muscles. It is necessary to visit massage therapist in this case.

Lump behind ear aches

Lump behind ear often causes discomfort due to its size. Pain can also accompany the main symptom.

What does it mean if lump behind ear aches? First of all, pain may signal on inflammation of lymph nodes behind ear due to otitis media. Thus, increase in lymph node becomes body's response to inflammatory process in outer or inner ear. Consultation of otolaryngologist is necessary in this case, who will examine and prescribe treatment.  Vasoconstrictor nose drops are used most often for treatment of otitis, if disease is caused by bad cold, anti-inflammatory drops in ears, and antibiotics if necessary.

Lymphadenitis (i.e. inflammation of lymph nodes) is caused by pyogenic agents from places where they are breeding. This disease is characterized by appearance of lumps behind ear, which can occur both in acute and chronic forms. One or more lymph nodes can be inflamed. Thus, formation of pus and, as consequence, increase in temperature, appearance of headache and general health deterioration are possible. Pain is stronger with development of purulent process; it has a permanent character and is very painful. Redness of skin may appear over swollen lymph node. Note that advanced forms of suppurative lymphadenitis threatens patient with general blood poisoning. Therefore, it is important to visit hospital timely and to be treated in hospital with antibiotics. Ice is usually applied to sore area, but surgery is required with festering.

So, if lump behind ear hurts, and lymph nodes are enlarged, patient urgently needs to consult doctor, because these symptoms point on distribution of pathogens in tissues. Ice can be put on sore spot along with pain-killer and any anti-inflammatory drug (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin) can be taken before visit to doctor to alleviate condition.

Lump near the ear

Lump behind ear or located elsewhere (behind ear or near it) often indicates on blockage of sebaceous gland, which became induration (cyst), i.e. atheroma due to loss of its function. Such cysts are rounded and have clear boundaries. Unfortunately, atheroma may be complicated by inflammation, which results in abscess. Treatment of atheroma is required in this regard, which consists of opening abscess and wound healing, and then - of conducting surgical treatment to avoid relapse. Removal of atheroma includes complete excision of capsule. Removal of atheroma with laser is possible to be carried out if necessary.

Lump near the ear may be a symptom of lipoma, benign tumor of adipose tissue. It is very difficult to distinguish lipoma from atheroma independently, only doctor should do this. It is important to emphasize, that ability of lipoma to develop into malignant tumor - liposarcoma - is a distinguishing feature of lipoma. Therefore, it is better to visit doctor as soon as possible and set diagnosis in case of appearance of lump near ear.

It is important to look after manifestation of other symptoms in event of lump near ear that might indicate on main cause of disease. Soreness of lump may indicate on inflammation of lymph node or presence of furuncle.

Lump on bone behind ear

Lump behind ear can be located directly on bone and signal on increase in lymph node or formation of fatty tumor (lipoma). Lump hurts in first case, and practically does not cause pain in the second case. Why is there increase in lymph nodes, and lumps? Any infection can be a reason - thus, body reacts to it by increase in those areas of tissue that contain lymph. Once infection is cured, inflammation in lymph node stops, and lump disappears.

Lump on bone behind ear, which is fatty tumor, does not require treatment and passes on its own after a while. Treatment is needed in case of pain due to this lump, and increase of its size. Only an experienced doctor can determine true nature of tumors and prescribe an effective treatment depending on underlying cause in any given situation. Not all lumps are safe, as it seems at a first glance. For example, lipoma can "degenerate" into a malignant tumor (liposarcoma) under certain conditions. It is better to go to hospital in timely manner to avoid risks and complications.

Lump on earlobe

Lump behind ear or on earlobe is a solid pea-like formation. This formation is called "atheroma" and may not bother a person if inflammation does not join pathology. In this case, atheroma acquires a brownish tint due to festering.

Lump on earlobe is quite often. It is painless to touch formation (cyst), does not give inconvenience to person, but sometimes can reach large sizes during inflammation. In this case it is necessary to consult doctor for further diagnosis and treatment assignment. It is desirable to get rid of atheroma in advance to prevent festering, provoking development of such symptoms as swelling, fever, pain. Earlobe atheroma of is mostly often opened surgically to remove contents. After some time, when inflammation subsides, re-operation is necessary, during which the capsule is removed. This is very important because if not treated completely, atheroma will become inflamed again and grow in size.

Earlobe atheroma after surgery leaves virtually no traces on skin. More sparing treatment methods of atheroma are applied to date - radiowave or laser removal. It is not recommended to squeeze out contents of earlobe lump on your own. This will only aggravate the situation and cause inflammation.

Lumps on head behind ears

Lump on the head behind ear may occur for several reasons. Bruise or stroke is the most obvious reason, which results in swelling of tissues and small node forms - solid painful lump. Cold should be put immediately onto affected area in this case which reduces swelling of tissues.

Lumps on head and on the back of the head may indicate on other diseases:

• Atheromas. It causes inconvenience because of its large size, and provokes strong pain symptoms in severe cases, when inflammation joins. You should seek help from surgeon, who will remove the atheroma to get rid of the disease.
• Lipomas. Nodes (fatty tumors) arise behind ear, in the area of head, and may also appear in other areas on body. They pose no threat to health, but it should be remembered that benign tumors have ability to regenerate into malignant under certain conditions. Accurate diagnosis can be set only by doctor.
• Warts. Such lumps are usually itchy, and require removal. Surgery and laser burning are used as additional treatment methods for this purpose; medications are effective in some cases.
• Fibroids. They are small nodes in form of beads. Such formations are separated from skin by small foot. Fibroids are deleted most often by surgery, methods of alternative medicine are used but in some cases.
• Hemangiomas. They are formed as result of pathological development of blood vessels and their coalescence. These lumps have red color and can be localized on head behind ears, near eyes, and even in mucous.
• Hemangiomas, as well as other formation in form of lumps, should be treated under medical supervision.

Solid lump behind ear

Lump behind ear may have different consistency, i.e. be soft or firm to touch. This sign indicates on different pathology, and also appears as a result of lump growth, which is able to mutate over time. Lipoma (fatty tumor) behaves like this, for example, which is benign tumor, but under certain circumstances, can grow into malignant tumor.

Solid lump behind ear may be caused by inflammation of lymph node or secondary atheroma, which often appears in individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or oily seborrhea, and pustular, spherical, phlegmon acne. Such retention cysts usually have bluish tint, they are tight and painful to touch. Lumps behind ear (secondary atheroma) may resemble pea or reach size of hazelnut in shape. Wings of nose, cheeks, chest, neck and back are other places of their location.

Atheroma may begin with small spherical formation, then are opened and turn into ulcers. In many cases they acquire tight capsule and remain as solid painless lump. Even atheroma is sometimes transformed into malignant formation. Thus, hard lump behind ear, located on bone under skin may indicate on presence of malignant tumor. Oncologist should inspect this tumor, he usually appoints ultrasound, biopsy and blood test for accurate diagnosis.

Lump in front of ear

Lump behind ear, as well as in front ear, may indicate on inflammation of parotid lymph node due to penetration of any infection into body, as well as on formation of atheroma (corked sebaceous glands) or lipoma (fatty tumor). If this symptom is combined with number of other symptoms (fever, pain, etc.), you need to see doctor as soon as possible because atheroma and lipoma may become inflamed and gain pus. Therefore, autopsy and removal are necessary in many cases.

Lump in front of the ear may also indicate on more serious illness. For example, this symptom often accompanies swelling of parotid glands (both benign and malignant) - largest salivary glands in human body. Area of skin in front of ears becomes swollen with development of disease, lumps may be formed there. Often, development of tumors of parotid gland occurs without any symptoms. After some time, patient can detect nodes in front of ears, and feel discomfort when chewing food and swallowing, increased lacrimation can appear, asymmetry of face can be observed as result of paresis of facial nerve that passes through parotid gland. Only a thorough medical examination will help to establish accurate diagnosis (MRI and CT scan of head, parotid gland ultrasound, and biopsy). Treatment of parotid tumor requires surgery and radiation.

In any case, even if lump in front of ear does not cause much discomfort, consultation of doctor (ENT, surgeon, dentist, and oncologist) is necessary to eliminate concerns. Noway it is possible to heat lump, squeeze out contents or treat with home remedies. Self-medication can be dangerous to health, especially if tumor causes pain, is growing rapidly and is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms.

Lump in area of ear

Lump behind ear or in the area of ear may occur for a variety of reasons. Clinical manifestation of this disease does not depend on age or gender of person. This node most often may be slowly progressive cyst (atheroma), which visually resembles small ball with smooth surface, moving under skin.

Lump in the area of ear can be a sign of inflammation of lymph nodes, development of any infectious disease, furuncle, as well as tumor. Cause of disease determines the shape of a lump, presence or absence of pain, associated symptoms (fever, intoxication, abscess, skin redness, etc.). Often, lumps in ear are lipomas (fatty tumors), which may have different dimensions. They are solid to touch, do not cause pain and skin discoloration.

Subcutaneous lumps are located above lymph nodes with development of inflammation in lymph nodes. Such nodes hurt, they are not soldered to surrounding tissues, are dense and hot at touch. Infection and inflammation naturally stimulate appearance of other symptoms, such as fever.

Lump in area of ear may be of normal (bodily) color, and acquire darker shade in oncologic pathologies (in particular basal cell cancer, neurofibromatosis, or soft tissue sarcoma). Such formations are usually soldered to surrounding tissues and hurt. Last stage of disease causes festering of lump.

Lumps may occur on head, face (including ear) and other areas of the body due to hemangioma (benign tumor vasculature). They are red, and are of different (solid or soft) consistency. Its rapid growth is distinctive feature of hemangioma, it may provoke destruction of healthy tissues, which are located nearby.

Intradermal cyst (atheroma) may be another reason of formation of lumps on ear, which often becomes inflamed and is associated with skin abscess. Node in this case is dense, painful, contains pus. Exact cause of lump in area of ear can be identified only by doctor after examination of patient and conducting series of tests.

Lump on ear after puncture

Lump behind ear or directly on it often represents accumulation of connective or adipose tissue, especially in case of puncture of ear lobe. This is a fairly common occurrence, non-compliance with hygiene after puncture may be cause of which. It is not recommended in this case to take any independent action in case of detection of lump on ear. It is better to consult surgeon or center of cosmetic medicine to remove formed cyst with modern laser equipment.

Lump on ear after puncture is often result of damage of cartilage. It may look like bulging scars around hole, from which piercing goes out. These lumps are not dangerous in general, but can cause discomfort: itching, redness, burning.

You should pre-select decoration to prevent lumps after procedure of puncture of ear. It must be at least sterile, made of high-quality hypoallergenic materials, have optimal shape (do not hang out, do not squeeze earlobe, be gently and easily fastened). Puncture of ear with piercing gun- special device, which is used in beauty salons - can cause formation of lump on ear. It is advisable to avoid this method because piercing gun just pushes decoration through skin, and thus distorts cartilage. It is important to avoid strokes or jewelry coming in hair or clothing after puncture of ear. Constant friction and movement of jewelry in ears can trigger formation of lumps.

Lump on jaw near ear

Lump behind ear or near it on jaw may indicate on lymphadenitis (inflammation of lymph nodes), which often develops in presence of infectious diseases. It should be noted that lymph nodes are sensitive to pathological processes that occur in body, especially if focus of inflammation is close to them.

Usually lymphatitis on jaw develops as a result of pathological changes (respiratory infections and tumors) in mouth, sinus, tonsils and neck, eyes, ears. Such change in lymph nodes may be due to more rare diseases, for example, tuberculosis or infectious mononucleosis (acute viral disease).

Lump on jaw near ear, arising in this case, may be soft to touch (formed as result of infectious disease) or have flexible, dense texture, which indicates on possible presence of benign tumors (lymphomas).  Size of such, according to medical observations, indicates on cause of disease: larger its size is, greater probability of tumor development is. Smoldering inflammation in lymph nodes provokes transition of lymphadenitis in chronic form, in which lumps are increased, but do not hurt. However, exacerbation develops instantly if infection gets into area of lymph node, which is accompanied by severe pain. If pain becomes unbearable, there is reason to believe that pus formed in lump (swollen lymph node), or any further complications developed.

Sometimes painful lumps on jaw near ear may be a consequence of malignant formations development. You must pay attention to other symptoms in this case: gums thickening, face deformation, loosening of teeth, neuralgia occurring in temples and irradiating to forehead, tearing, etc. - all depending on tumor location. A thorough medical examination (ultrasound, biopsy) is necessary in this case, which will help to determine exact cause of lump under jaw, as well as to distinguish swollen lymph nodes from real tumor. Treatment will depend on final diagnosis.

Treatment of lump behind ear

Lump behind ear requires an immediate medical examination to establish true cause of this disease.

Treatment of lump behind ear should be assigned exclusively by medical specialist after results of analyzes and accurate diagnosis.

If lump behind ear appeared due to infection, treatment may consist of receiving of antifungal drugs and antibiotics, whose action is intended to prevent further development of infection and scarring at place of formation. Special attention should be paid to strict hygiene of inflamed areas of skin, to prevent their contamination and friction with clothes.

Lump, which arose behind ear as result of cyst (atheroma, lipoma), may disappear on its own, but there are cases of complications when cyst becomes inflamed and pus-typed. Patient may need in this case cortisone injection and surgery under local anesthesia (excision of tumor) or laser removal of atheroma. Fact should be taken into account that lipoma is removed only when it causes discomfort to patient and have expressed cosmetic defect. Infusion of drugs directly to fatty tumor is one of methods of treatment. Injection contributes to destruction of adipose tissue and resorption of fatty tumor.

Lump, which appeared behind ear, due to in cancer pathology, requires careful diagnosis and surgical treatment. If necessary, tumor is excised along with those tissues that surround it, to avoid recurrence.

Lump behind ear, which appeared as result of inflammation of lymph node, is treated by means which fight main cause of inflammation - infection or virus. Treatment regimen is prescribed in this case by doctor after diagnosis.

Tincture of echinacea is used in people`s medicine to treat inflammation of lymph nodes. Tincture should be diluted in water (10 drops on ¼ glass of water) and should be taken 4 times a day. Vitamin C (750 to 1500 mg per day) is also added to this treatment.

Hydrastis canadensis helps well in treatment of lymphadenitis, who has pronounced antiseptic properties. Drug should be taken three times a day by 0.5 of teaspoon.

Treatment of small fatty tumors at home is performed with usage of baked bulbs, pulp of which is grounded, and then one table spoon of shredded household soap is added in resulting mixture. Resulting mixture must be carefully put in gauze bag and applied to lump as compress twice a day.

Lump behind ear should alert person in any case, because reason for its occurrence can be set only by medical specialist. Since malignant tumors manifest themselves similar in some cases, delays in examination may be dangerous. It is better to visit doctor in timely manner and get rid of problem, rather than complain about destiny in advanced cases.

What to do in case of lump behind ear?

Lump behind ear in some cases may disappear on its own, without need for special treatment. However, number of diseases needs intervention of specialist and appointment of complex treatment.

What to do in case of lump behind ear? First of all, you should go to doctor for accurate diagnosis. It is only way to achieve positive outcome in treatment as independent application of any medicines or people`s methods can only exacerbate disease, which led to appearance of lump.

Lump cannot be squeezed or warmed in any case, because this method can contribute to strengthening of inflammatory process. Rubbing, direct sunlight exposure on lump, imposition of iodine mesh and use of people`s medicine without first consulting doctor are contraindicated.

If lump appears behind ear or in some other place on body you should address therapist as soon as possible, especially in cases, when:

• there is big increase in lymph nodes;
• lump hurts a lot and increases in size;
• cause of lumps is not related to infection or cold;
• lump acquires different shade or is filled with pus;
• other symptoms are observed that accompany appearance of lump.