A lump behind the ear

A lump behind the ear is a round, usually painless formation that appears as a result of an enlarged cervical lymph node.

This pathology is not a disease in itself and does not pose any danger to human health, but it often causes discomfort. In fact, it is a benign tumor or cyst, which resembles a dense, mobile ball when palpated.

There are cases when the lump increases over time, reaching the size of a quail egg. Atheroma can become inflamed and filled with pus. In such a situation, treatment is necessary, otherwise some infection may join this pathology.

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Causes lumps behind the ear

A lump behind the ear can appear for a number of different reasons, most often due to inflammation of the lymph nodes. To establish the true cause of inflammation of the cervical lymph node, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory analysis, first of all, take a blood test, with the help of which it is possible to determine the presence of inflammation or the body's tendency to some lymphoproliferative disease.

Causes of a lump behind the ear or factors that provoke its appearance:

• blockage of the sebaceous gland due to excessive production of sebum;
• decreased immunity;
• adverse effects of the environment on the body;
• hormonal imbalance;
• excessive sweating;
• skin damage due to seborrhea, acne;
• infection of the sebaceous gland duct due to piercing;
• prolonged hypothermia of the body;
• failure to observe personal hygiene;
• metabolic disorders;
• chronic diseases (in particular, tuberculosis, diabetes, HIV infection);
• severe burns and injuries;
• respiratory and oral cavity infections;
• oncological diseases of the lymphatic system.

To make a diagnosis and identify the true cause of the lump behind the ear, an ultrasound examination may be needed, which will show the condition of the lymph node and surrounding tissues. In more severe cases, a lymph node biopsy method is used, which can identify atypical cells or the presence of an inflammatory process.

Symptoms lumps behind the ear

A lump behind the ear can appear suddenly and gradually grow. It has been established that the size of an atheroma can fluctuate from 5 to 45 millimeters.

Symptoms of a lump behind the ear at the initial stage of its growth may not manifest themselves in any way and may not bother a person. The main symptom will be only the visual manifestation of an atheroma in the form of a behind-the-ear tumor, which has clear outlines and is filled with fat. However, when the lump becomes infected and the suppuration process develops, the following symptoms may appear:

• pronounced redness of the atheroma;
• pain when touched;
• increase in temperature due to the inflammatory process;
• swelling;
• itching and burning behind the ear;
• Palpation may reveal the presence of free fluid.

There are cases when the symptoms disappear after one or two weeks, and the nature of the cyst may change: the lump becomes denser and more immobile. This indicates the replacement of sebaceous gland secretion with connective cells. With good immunity, the lump after suppuration may open on its own. In this case, the contents of the capsule come out: pus, blood and sebaceous gland secretion. When the wound heals, small scars may remain.

A lump behind the ear in a child

A lump behind the ear can occur not only in an adult, but also in a child. What to do in this case? What can cause the appearance of such a neoplasm?

A lump behind a child's ear can have various causes. Among them, first of all, it is necessary to note lymphadenitis (this is the name for inflammation of the lymph nodes). The disease can manifest itself suddenly and at almost any time of the year, most often - against the background of weakened immunity or an infectious disease. Such a lump is formed under the skin, it can be barely noticeable, but when palpated, the seal is well defined. The child may experience pain, but there are often cases when inflammation of the lymph nodes is painless. Of course, for an accurate diagnosis, you should take the baby to a pediatrician who will prescribe immunostimulants and physiotherapy.

The appearance of a lump behind the ear often accompanies epidemic parotitis (popularly called "mumps"). This is an inflammatory process occurring in the parotid salivary glands. This disease has a number of other symptoms: fever, general weakness and malaise, chills, painful sensations (especially when chewing) in the neck and ears. It should be noted that epidemic parotitis is a rather serious and dangerous infectious disease that can cause various complications. That is why it is so important to consult a competent doctor in time to establish a diagnosis and effectively treat the child from this insidious disease.

A lump behind the ear can occur in a child due to the development of a lipoma or atheroma (fatty tumor). This is one of the types of benign tumors, a small mobile formation that does not pose a particular danger. Such a tumor can cause discomfort if it noticeably increases in size. If there is such a need, then the lipoma is excised.

An ear fistula is another reason for a lump behind the ear in a baby. This disease develops as a result of pathology during intrauterine development of the ear in the fetus. A parotid fistula is detected immediately after the birth of the child. Usually, an ear fistula develops slowly, without causing discomfort to the child. However, with inflammation, a red lump of impressive size may appear. Usually in such cases, doctors prescribe treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, after which the fistula is removed surgically.

Forms

Lump in the ear

A lump behind the ear or in the ear can appear for various reasons. Sometimes such a formation practically does not bother a person, but if inflammation is involved, urgent treatment is necessary, which in some cases involves surgical intervention.

A lump in the ear is often the result of an inflamed lymph node. In this case, the lump does not cause any particular pain and does not itch. Sometimes, this is a manifestation of otitis, which requires special treatment - instillation of anti-inflammatory drops, and in advanced cases - taking antibiotics.

Only a doctor can determine the main cause of a lump in the ear. Therefore, if such a formation occurs, you should immediately consult an otolaryngologist for advice. If the accompanying symptoms are fever, tingling, pain. When otitis becomes chronic, there may be a danger to hearing. Therefore, it is so important, first of all, to get rid of the cause that provokes the appearance of a lump in the ear.

A large, very painful and red lump in the ear may indicate a furuncle of the outer ear. In this case, the lump should not be squeezed out, as this may become a factor for the internal penetration of infection, which will further aggravate the situation. Furuncles are usually treated with Vishnevsky ointment, which accelerates the maturation of the furuncle. If you start treatment in time, the furuncle will mature and its contents will come out. However, you should not self-medicate, since without an accurate diagnosis, taking any medications can only do harm. An otolaryngologist should examine the lump in the ear, determine the cause of its occurrence and prescribe the appropriate remedy.

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Lump under the ear

A lump behind the ear can be disturbing for a number of reasons. Usually, such a clinical picture appears with atheroma and enlargement of the cervical lymph node. In this case, the lump can be localized not only behind the ear, but also under it.

A lump under the ear that has arisen as a result of a blocked sebaceous gland (atheroma) can reach quite large sizes. Such a peculiar cyst may not cause discomfort, but when inflamed, suppurated or infected, it causes pain and redness. In addition to blocked sebaceous glands, inflamed lymph nodes or a furuncle can also be the causes of atheroma. It happens that a lump located on the neck under the skin becomes a sign of a malignant tumor, infection or sebaceous cyst, which is otherwise called a "lipoma" ("wen"). In any case, if a lump appears, a consultation with a medical specialist is necessary, who will conduct a thorough examination, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

It should be noted that a lump under the ear can be of various shapes and sizes - from a "pea" to a "pigeon egg". Along with it, nodular growths can form on the neck, which cause pain. If complications develop in the form of suppuration, surgical intervention may be required. Self-treatment can only aggravate the disease, and in the case of a malignant tumor, it can be a serious threat to life.

It is worth noting another reason for the appearance of bumps on the neck under the ear. In women, such cysts can appear from excessive physical exertion, which provokes strong compaction of the neck muscles. In this case, it is necessary to visit a massage therapist.

The lump behind the ear hurts

A lump behind the ear often causes discomfort due to its size. Also, pain may join the main symptom.

A lump behind the ear hurts - what does this mean? First of all, pain can signal inflammation of the parotid lymph node as a result of otitis. Thus, an increase in lymph nodes becomes the body's reaction to an inflammatory process in the outer or inner ear. In this case, a consultation with an otolaryngologist is necessary, who will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment. Most often, vasoconstrictor nasal drops are used to treat otitis if the disease is caused by a severe runny nose, anti-inflammatory ear drops, and, if necessary, antibiotics.

Lymphadenitis (i.e. inflammation of the lymph nodes) is caused by pyogenic agents from the places where they multiply. This disease is characterized by the appearance of bumps behind the ear, and can occur in both acute and chronic forms. One or more lymph nodes can become inflamed. In this case, pus may form and, as a consequence, a rise in temperature, headache, and deterioration in general health. With the development of a purulent process, the pain is severe, constant, and very painful. Redness of the skin may be observed above the inflamed lymph node. It should be taken into account that an advanced form of purulent lymphadenitis threatens the patient with general blood poisoning. Therefore, it is so important to promptly go to the hospital and undergo inpatient treatment with antibiotics. Ice is usually applied to the sore spot, but in case of suppuration, surgical intervention is required.

So, if the lump behind the ear hurts and the lymph nodes are enlarged, the patient needs to urgently see a doctor, since these symptoms indicate the distribution of pathogenic microbes in the tissues. To alleviate the condition, before visiting the doctor, you can put ice on the inflamed area, and also take a painkiller and some anti-inflammatory drug (for example, ibuprofen, aspirin).

Lump near ear

A lump behind the ear or located elsewhere (under the ear or near it) most often signals a blockage of the sebaceous gland, which, due to the loss of its function, has turned into a seal (cyst), i.e. atheroma. Such cysts have a round shape and clear boundaries. Unfortunately, atheroma can be complicated by inflammation, which results in suppuration. In this regard, treatment of atheroma is required, which consists of opening the abscess and healing the wound, and then performing surgical treatment to avoid relapse. Removal of atheroma includes complete excision of the capsule. If necessary, laser removal of atheroma is possible.

A lump near the ear can be a symptom of lipoma, a benign tumor of fatty tissue. It is very difficult to distinguish lipoma from atheroma on your own; only a doctor should do this. It is important to emphasize that a distinctive feature of lipoma is its ability to develop into a malignant tumor - liposarcoma. Therefore, when a lump appears near the ear, you must see a doctor as soon as possible and establish an accurate diagnosis.

It is very important when a lump appears near the ear to observe the manifestation of other symptoms that may indicate the main cause of the disease. The painfulness of the lump may indicate inflammation of the lymph node or the presence of a furuncle.

Lump on bone behind ear

A lump behind the ear can be localized directly on the bone and signal an enlarged lymph node or the formation of a fatty tumor (lipoma). In the first case, the lump hurts, in the second, it causes almost no pain. Why do lymph nodes enlarge and lumps appear? Any infection can be the cause - thus, the body reacts to it by enlarging those areas of tissue that contain lymph. As soon as the infection is cured, the inflammatory process in the lymph node will stop and the lump will disappear.

A lump on the bone behind the ear, which is a lipoma, does not require treatment as such and goes away on its own after some time. If such a lump is painful, as well as its size increases, treatment is necessary. Only an experienced doctor can determine the true nature of the neoplasm and prescribe effective treatment depending on the underlying cause in each specific situation. Not all lumps are as safe as they seem at first glance. For example, a lipoma under certain conditions can "degenerate" into a malignant tumor (liposarcoma). It is best to go to the hospital in a timely manner to avoid risks and complications.

Lump on earlobe

A lump behind the ear or on the earlobe is a hard seal resembling a pea. Such a neoplasm is called "atheroma" and may not bother a person unless inflammation joins the pathology. In this case, the atheroma acquires a brownish tint due to suppuration.

A lump on the earlobe occurs quite often. This painless to the touch seal (cyst) does not cause discomfort to a person, but can sometimes reach large sizes when inflamed. In this case, you need to see a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. It is advisable to get rid of the atheroma in advance to prevent suppuration, which provokes the development of symptoms such as swelling, fever, pain. Most often, an atheroma of the earlobe is opened surgically to extract the contents. After some time, when the inflammation subsides, a second operation will be needed, during which the capsule will be removed. This is very important, because if the atheroma is not cured, it will become inflamed again and increase in size.

After surgery, atheroma of the earlobe leaves virtually no marks on the skin. Today, more gentle methods of treating atheroma are used - radio wave or laser removal. It is not recommended to squeeze out the contents of the earlobe lump on your own. This will only worsen the situation and cause an inflammatory process.

Bumps on the head behind the ears

A lump behind the ear on the head can appear for a number of reasons. The most common reason is a bruise or blow, which results in tissue swelling and the formation of a small growth - a hard, painful lump. In this case, you should immediately apply cold to the sore spot, which will reduce tissue swelling.

Bumps on the head behind the ears can also signal other diseases:

• Atheromas. Due to their large size, they cause discomfort, and in advanced cases, when inflammation joins in, they provoke severe pain. To get rid of the pathology, you need to seek help from a surgeon who will remove the atheroma.
• Lipomas. Growths (fatty tumors) appear behind the ear, in the head area, and can also appear in other places on the body. They do not pose a threat to health, but it should be remembered that benign tumors under certain conditions have the ability to degenerate into malignant ones. Only a doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis.
• Warts. These bumps are usually itchy and require removal. Treatment options include surgery and laser cauterization; in some cases, medical removal is effective.
• Fibromas. They are small, ball-shaped growths. These growths are separated from the skin by a small stalk. Most often, fibromas are removed by surgery, but in some cases, alternative medicine methods are used.
• Hemangiomas. They are formed as a result of the pathological development of blood vessels and their fusion. Such bumps have a red tint and can be localized on the head behind the ears, in the eye area and even on the mucous membranes.

Hemangioma, like other lump-like formations, should be treated under the supervision of a physician.

Hard lump behind ear

A lump behind the ear can have different consistencies, i.e. be soft or hard to the touch. This symptom indicates various pathologies, and also appears as a result of the growth of a lump, which can change over time. For example, this is how a lipoma (fatty tumor) behaves, which is a benign tumor, but under certain circumstances can develop into a malignant formation.

A hard lump behind the ear may be a consequence of inflammation of the lymph node or secondary atheroma, which often appears in people suffering from hyperhidrosis (increased sweating) or oily seborrhea, as well as pustular, spherical, phlegmonous acne. Such retention cysts usually have a bluish tint, they are dense and painful to the touch. In shape, behind-the-ear bumps (secondary atheromas) can resemble a pea or reach the size of a hazelnut. Other places of their localization are the wings of the nose, cheek area, chest, neck and back.

Atheromas can start as a small spherical lump, then burst open and turn into ulcers. In many cases, they are encapsulated in a dense capsule and remain as a hard, painless lump. It happens that even atheromas transform into malignant tumors. Therefore, a hard lump behind the ear, located on the bone under the skin, may indicate the presence of a malignant tumor. Such a tumor should be examined by an oncologist, who usually prescribes an ultrasound examination, biopsy and blood test to the patient to make an accurate diagnosis.

Lump in front of ear

A lump behind the ear, as well as in front of the auricle, may indicate inflammation of the parotid lymph node due to the penetration of some infection into the body, as well as the formation of an atheroma (clogged sebaceous gland) or lipoma (fatty tumor). If this symptom is combined with a number of other signs (fever, pain syndrome, etc.), you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, because atheromas and lipomas can become inflamed and fill with pus. Therefore, in many cases, they need to be opened and removed.

A lump in front of the ear may also indicate more serious diseases. Thus, this symptom often accompanies a tumor of the parotid glands (both benign and malignant) - the largest salivary glands in the human body. With the development of this disease, the area of the skin in front of the ears becomes swollen, lumps can form on it. Often, the development of a tumor of the parotid gland occurs asymptomatically. After some time, the patient may notice seals in front of the ears, as well as feel discomfort when chewing food and swallowing, increased lacrimation, he may have facial asymmetry as a result of paresis of the facial nerve passing through the parotid gland. Only a thorough medical examination will help to establish an accurate diagnosis (MRI and CT of the head, ultrasound of the parotid gland, biopsy). Treatment of a tumor of the parotid gland requires surgery and radiation therapy.

In any case, even if the lump in front of the ear does not cause any particular discomfort, to eliminate concerns, you need to consult a doctor (ENT, surgeon, dentist, oncologist). In no case should you warm the lump, squeeze out its contents or treat it with home remedies. Self-medication can be dangerous to health, especially if the neoplasm causes pain, grows quickly and is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms.

Lump in the ear area

A lump behind the ear or in the ear area can occur for a number of reasons. The clinical manifestation of such a pathology does not depend on the age or gender of a person. Most often, such a seal can be a slowly progressing cyst (atheroma), which visually resembles a small ball with a smooth surface, moving under the skin.

A lump in the ear area may be a sign of inflammation of the lymph nodes, the development of some infectious disease, furunculosis, or the appearance of a tumor. The cause of the disease determines the type of lump, the presence or absence of pain syndrome, accompanying symptoms (fever, intoxication, suppuration, redness of the skin, etc.). Often, lumps in the ear area are lipomas (fatty tumors), which can be of different sizes. They are dense to the touch, do not cause pain or change the color of the skin.

When an inflammatory process develops in the lymph nodes, subcutaneous lumps are located above the lymph nodes. Such seals hurt, they are not fused with the surrounding tissues, they are dense and hot to the touch. Naturally, infection and inflammation stimulate the appearance of other symptoms, in particular, an increase in temperature.

In oncological pathologies (in particular, basal cell carcinoma, neurofibromatosis, or soft tissue sarcoma), a lump in the ear area can be either normal (flesh-colored) or darker in color. Such formations usually fuse with surrounding tissues and hurt. The last stage of the disease causes suppuration of the lump.

Due to hemangioma (a benign vascular tumor), lumps can appear on the head, face (including the ear area) and other parts of the body. They are red and have different (dense or soft) consistencies. A distinctive feature of hemangioma is its rapid growth, which can provoke the destruction of healthy tissues that are nearby.

Another reason for the formation of a lump in the ear area may be an intradermal cyst (atheroma), which often becomes inflamed and is associated with a skin abscess. In this case, the lump is dense, painful, and contains pus. The exact cause of the appearance of lumps in the ear area can only be determined by a doctor after examining the patient and conducting a series of tests.

Lump on ear after piercing

A lump behind the ear or directly on it is often a cluster of connective or fatty tissue, especially in cases of earlobe piercing. This is a fairly common occurrence, the cause of which may be poor hygiene after the piercing. In this case, it is not recommended to take any independent action when a lump is found on the ear. It is best to contact a surgeon or a cosmetic medicine center to remove the resulting cyst using modern laser equipment.

A lump on the ear after a piercing is often a consequence of cartilage damage. In appearance, it may resemble raised scars around the hole from which the piercing comes out. In general, these bumps are not dangerous, but they can cause discomfort: itching, redness, burning.

To prevent a lump from appearing after an ear piercing procedure, you should choose the jewelry in advance. It should be, at a minimum, sterile, made of high-quality hypoallergenic materials, have an optimal shape (not dangling, not squeezing the earlobe, neatly and easily fastened). A lump on the ear can be formed by piercing the ear with a piercing gun - a special device used in beauty salons. It is advisable to avoid this method, since the piercing gun directly pushes the jewelry through the skin and thereby distorts the cartilage. It is important to avoid impacts or getting the jewelry into your hair or clothes after piercing the ear. Constant friction and movement of jewelry in the ears can provoke the formation of lumps.

Lump on jaw near ear

A lump behind the ear or near it on the jaw may indicate lymphadenitis (an inflammatory process in the lymph nodes), which most often develops against the background of infectious diseases. It should be noted that the lymph nodes react acutely to pathological processes that occur in the body, especially if the inflammation is located near them.

Usually, inflammation of the lymph nodes on the jaw develops as a result of pathological changes (respiratory infections and tumors) in the oral cavity, sinuses, tonsils, as well as the neck, eyes, ears. Such a change in the lymph nodes can be caused by more rare diseases: for example, tuberculosis or infectious mononucleosis (an acute viral disease).

A lump on the jaw near the ear that occurs in this case may be soft to the touch (formed as a result of an infectious disease), or have an elastic, dense consistency, which indicates the possible presence of a benign tumor (lymphoma). According to medical observations, the size of such a lump indicates the cause of the disease: the larger its size, the greater the likelihood of developing a tumor process. Slow inflammation in the lymph nodes provokes the transition of lymphadenitis to a chronic form, in which the lumps are enlarged, but do not hurt. However, when an infection gets into the area of such a lymph node, an exacerbation immediately develops, which is accompanied by severe pain. If the pain becomes unbearable, there is reason to believe that pus has formed in the lump (inflamed lymph node), or additional complications have arisen.

Sometimes painful bumps on the jaw near the ear can be a consequence of the development of malignant neoplasms. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to other symptoms: thickening of the gums, deformation of the face, loosening of the teeth, neuralgic pains arising in the temples and radiating to the forehead, lacrimation, etc. - everything depends on the localization of the tumor. In this case, a thorough medical examination (ultrasound, biopsy) is necessary, which will help to establish the exact cause of the lump under the jaw, as well as to distinguish inflammation of the lymph nodes from a real tumor. Treatment will depend on the final diagnosis.

Treatment lumps behind the ear

A lump behind the ear requires immediate medical examination to determine the true cause of this pathology.

Treatment for a lump behind the ear should be prescribed exclusively by a medical professional after receiving test results and an accurate diagnosis.

If the lump behind the ear is due to an infection, treatment may include taking antifungal medications and antibiotics, the action of which is aimed at preventing further development of the infection and the appearance of scars at the site of the resulting lump. Particular attention should be paid to strict hygiene of the inflamed areas of the skin, preventing their contamination and friction against clothing.

A lump that has developed behind the ear as a result of a cyst (atheroma, lipoma) may disappear on its own, but there are cases of complications in which the cyst becomes inflamed and filled with pus. In this case, the patient may need cortisone injections, as well as surgery under local anesthesia (excision of the neoplasm) or laser removal of the atheroma. It should be noted that lipomas are removed only if they cause discomfort to the patient and are a pronounced cosmetic defect. One of the treatment methods is the introduction of a drug directly into the lipoma. The injection promotes the destruction of fatty tissue and the resorption of the lipoma.

A lump that has developed behind the ear as a result of oncological pathology requires careful diagnosis and surgical treatment. If necessary, the tumor is cut out along with the tissues that surround it to avoid relapse.

A lump behind the ear that appears as a result of inflammation of the lymph node is treated with means that combat the main cause of the inflammatory process - infection or virus. In this case, the treatment regimen is prescribed by the doctor after diagnosis.

In folk medicine, echinacea is used in the form of a tincture to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes. The tincture must be diluted in water (10 drops per ¼ glass of water) and taken 4 times a day. Vitamin C is also added to this treatment (from 750 to 1500 mg per day).

Goldenseal, which has pronounced antiseptic properties, helps well in the treatment of lymphadenitis. The drug should be taken three times a day, 0.5 teaspoon.

Treatment of small lipomas at home is done using a baked onion, the pulp of which is ground, and then 1 tablespoon of crushed laundry soap is added to the resulting mixture. The finished mass must be carefully placed in a gauze bag and applied to the lump as a compress twice a day.

A lump behind the ear should alert a person in any case, since only a medical specialist can determine the cause of its appearance. Since in some cases malignant tumors manifest themselves this way, delaying the examination can be dangerous. It is better to visit a doctor in a timely manner and get rid of the problem faster than to complain about fate in advanced cases.

What to do if you have a lump behind your ear?

A lump behind the ear can disappear on its own in some cases, without requiring special treatment. However, a number of diseases require specialist intervention and the appointment of complex treatment.

What to do with a lump behind the ear? First of all, go to the doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. This is the only way to achieve a positive outcome in treatment, since self-administration of any medications or folk remedies can only aggravate the course of the disease that led to the appearance of the lump.

In no case should you squeeze or heat the lump, as this method can only contribute to the intensification of the inflammatory process. Rubbing, direct sunlight on the lump, applying an iodine mesh and using traditional medicine without prior consultation with a doctor are also contraindicated.

If a lump appears behind the ear or anywhere else on the body, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, especially in cases where:

• a strong increase in lymph nodes is observed;
• the lump hurts a lot and increases in size;
• the cause of the lump is not related to an infection or a cold;
• the lump takes on a different color or becomes filled with pus;
• other symptoms are noted that accompany the appearance of the lump.