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Hard Lump Behind Ear On Mastoid Process. Not Movable Or Painful. What Could It Be?

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Posted on Mon, 1 Oct 2012
Question: I have small about the size of a pea hard lump behind my left ear on the mastoid process its not movable or painful just would like to know an idea of what it could be I noticed it about a week ago any help would be appretiated
Thanks XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (3 hours later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A hard immobile pea size lump on the mastoid process is sometimes a prominent mastoid process itself. Just check if you have this swelling present on the other side too.
If the swelling is unilateral then most likely it is a swollen lymph node which can happen due to minor infections in the head and neck region.
A pea size swollen lymph node is not significant and usually subsides on its own after the infection subsides.
You need to self monitor the swelling for any pain, tenderness, increase in size or fever. In case these symptoms appear, I encourage you to consult your physician for proper examination and further related investigations.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (11 hours later)
I just want to make sure this is all normal before I go to the doctors
The lump on my head right behind my ear is hard painless and not movable at all I don't feel sick or have any symptoms other then at times I feel like as I'm not in my own body I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the lump
Also there is not the same bump behind my other ear
Thanks XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)
Hello.

Thanks for writing again.

The unilateral lump behind the ear is more likely a lymph node only. Other possibilities may be a sebaceous cyst or a lipoma. But, without a proper physical examination, it is very difficult to mention whether it is normal or abnormal.

In any case, it is not likely to be associated with your feeling of being out of your body.

Let me assure you this is not something life threatening condition.

Hope my answer is helpful. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Jyoti Patil
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14047 Questions

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Hard Lump Behind Ear On Mastoid Process. Not Movable Or Painful. What Could It Be?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A hard immobile pea size lump on the mastoid process is sometimes a prominent mastoid process itself. Just check if you have this swelling present on the other side too.
If the swelling is unilateral then most likely it is a swollen lymph node which can happen due to minor infections in the head and neck region.
A pea size swollen lymph node is not significant and usually subsides on its own after the infection subsides.
You need to self monitor the swelling for any pain, tenderness, increase in size or fever. In case these symptoms appear, I encourage you to consult your physician for proper examination and further related investigations.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.