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What Causes A Swollen Lump Behind My Ear?
Question: Hello-
I noticed a lump behind my ear on the boney part of my head for the better portion of 3 weeks or so ago. I was messing with it a lot and trying warm compresses and it seemed to shrink and flatten but now it's back . I have no other symptoms of any kind other then I take medicine for allergies (Zyrtec) no family history of anything either. I'm in transition of new jobs and my health insurance hasn't begun yet so I'm really nervous this is something serious like. Cancer and I will miss the diagnosis
I noticed a lump behind my ear on the boney part of my head for the better portion of 3 weeks or so ago. I was messing with it a lot and trying warm compresses and it seemed to shrink and flatten but now it's back . I have no other symptoms of any kind other then I take medicine for allergies (Zyrtec) no family history of anything either. I'm in transition of new jobs and my health insurance hasn't begun yet so I'm really nervous this is something serious like. Cancer and I will miss the diagnosis
Brief Answer:
Please follow up...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HCM.
I have read your symptoms,and I will explain at you what it might be and how to treat it.
In most of the cases it is just a swollen lymph node and the main reasons are as follows:
-trauma/injury in the neck region (for example when shaving)
-infection . Usually a local infection
-tooth abscess
-cold and sore throat
and a lot of other reasons.
Now if it's a lymph node,than you need to start antibiotics and ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Do not apply heat because you might worse it. Do not apply pressure,do not mess with it.
Another option,is that this lump is a sebaceous cyst. Even in this case,you should not mess ,or apply heat. Antibiotics and ibuprofen as a pain reliever.
To be sure tho,you need to do a consult with your physician. He will be able to tell if its a sebaceous cyst or a lymph node.
If you have any other question,feel free to ask me.
Dr.Endri Katro
Please follow up...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking HCM.
I have read your symptoms,and I will explain at you what it might be and how to treat it.
In most of the cases it is just a swollen lymph node and the main reasons are as follows:
-trauma/injury in the neck region (for example when shaving)
-infection . Usually a local infection
-tooth abscess
-cold and sore throat
and a lot of other reasons.
Now if it's a lymph node,than you need to start antibiotics and ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Do not apply heat because you might worse it. Do not apply pressure,do not mess with it.
Another option,is that this lump is a sebaceous cyst. Even in this case,you should not mess ,or apply heat. Antibiotics and ibuprofen as a pain reliever.
To be sure tho,you need to do a consult with your physician. He will be able to tell if its a sebaceous cyst or a lymph node.
If you have any other question,feel free to ask me.
Dr.Endri Katro
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Brief Answer:
Follow up...
Detailed Answer:
In the case of lymphoma or malignant tumors,lymph nodes tend to be bilateral, not in only 1 place,and not only 1 lymph node. Usually there is a group of lymph nodes.
But there are times when the only symptom of a malignant tumor is just a lymph node. The only way to be sure 100 % that it is or it is not malignant, is through biopsy.
Of course, to do the biopsy every doctor will suspect for a pathological lymph node (malignant)
If a lymph node persist of being swollen,and painful for more than 3 or 4 weeks (you should not mess with it,cause trauma at it,or apply heat/cold ) it is recommended to do a biopsy,or to do farther tests to determine the cause.
Since infections are the main cause,you should not worry. Start the treatment with the antibiotics and ibuprofen.
Whenever you can,check it with your physician.
Wishing good health.
For any question,feel free to ask me.
Dr.Endri Katro
Follow up...
Detailed Answer:
In the case of lymphoma or malignant tumors,lymph nodes tend to be bilateral, not in only 1 place,and not only 1 lymph node. Usually there is a group of lymph nodes.
But there are times when the only symptom of a malignant tumor is just a lymph node. The only way to be sure 100 % that it is or it is not malignant, is through biopsy.
Of course, to do the biopsy every doctor will suspect for a pathological lymph node (malignant)
If a lymph node persist of being swollen,and painful for more than 3 or 4 weeks (you should not mess with it,cause trauma at it,or apply heat/cold ) it is recommended to do a biopsy,or to do farther tests to determine the cause.
Since infections are the main cause,you should not worry. Start the treatment with the antibiotics and ibuprofen.
Whenever you can,check it with your physician.
Wishing good health.
For any question,feel free to ask me.
Dr.Endri Katro
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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