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What Does A Hard Lump Infront Of The Ear Indicate?
Question: I have a rock hard lump in front of my ear, very very close. It is immovable hard and definitely attached to something. I've been on anti-biotics 9 days per insurance company, my Doc wanted a CT scan right away, but insurance wouldn't allow it. The lump has not decreased. It is about the size of a walnut out of it's shell. It's big enough to be able to be seen. I noticed it a long time ago, but it wasn't this big, and I was pre-occupied writing a book. I just assumed it was a bone misshaped, or my face was warped. Now, I know it's a mass in my lymph nodes per my Doc. I bruise easily, I had a very large one on my inner thigh that day. Two days ago a branch scratched my leg, slight thin line, but bruised all around it I did not hit the branch. I am taking more and more naps. Now, that being said, because I'm taking so many naps, I'm waking at 3 and 4 am and can't go back to sleep. Of course, I'm concerned about that and one other pressing issue, so I'm stressed. I walk a lot. Used to every day, but many nights I'm too tired. 2 yrs ago I have to have transfusion hgb went to 6. Had a hysterectomy since, but the fatigue I've gotten used to. I have night sweats, not profuse, but I'm 51 I assumed it was perimenopause.
Brief Answer:
get an fnac then
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
I have read your query and I understand your concern.
That lump, as it has not responded to 9 days of antibiotics, is not an infective swelling.
Also as it is hard and immovable, it is mostly attached to the bone below.
If your insurance is not allowing you for a ct scan, you an go for an x-ray of that, it will be very much cheaper, and if it shows anything, maybe you can use that to convince your insurance company for a ct scan.
Also you need to get a needle biopsy (fnac) of that swelling. That should also not cost much and will greatly help to reach a diagnosis and thus to plan about further management of that swelling.
And i don't think that you other history has anything to do with this swelling apart from your night sweats, but we will think about that after your fnac report.
Hope i have been helpful.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
get an fnac then
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
I have read your query and I understand your concern.
That lump, as it has not responded to 9 days of antibiotics, is not an infective swelling.
Also as it is hard and immovable, it is mostly attached to the bone below.
If your insurance is not allowing you for a ct scan, you an go for an x-ray of that, it will be very much cheaper, and if it shows anything, maybe you can use that to convince your insurance company for a ct scan.
Also you need to get a needle biopsy (fnac) of that swelling. That should also not cost much and will greatly help to reach a diagnosis and thus to plan about further management of that swelling.
And i don't think that you other history has anything to do with this swelling apart from your night sweats, but we will think about that after your fnac report.
Hope i have been helpful.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I'm assuming that the fact that it is attached to whatever tissue underneath, it is rock hard like bone and unmovable that it is most likely a malignancy. Would I be wrong to assume that? My insurance company will most likely pay for a CT scan after my next doctor's visit. The lump is the size of a shelled walnut and not defined. The doctor wanting a CT scan, is that because she suspects there could be metastasis? Did the bruising she saw set off signals, would you have done the same? I'm trying to prepare for bad news. I don't like being caught off guard and I have eight children.
Brief Answer:
yes i would have done the same.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Yes I would have ordered a ct scan for you.
I understand this lump poses lots of question which you wish to be answered soon. Unfortunately those questions have definite answers after the scan results are up. Based on your description, the chances of malignancy is sparse. But I can only confirm this statement after reviewing scan results. Moreover scan is not only ordered to see for the metastasis, it also tells from which part it is arising, where all it is adhered, and even might tell if it is benign or a malignant growth. So do not be anxious.
Wait till it is done. It might turn out to be a benign bone cyst. So don't loose hope so early.
The bruising is due to stretching of the skin over the swelling.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
yes i would have done the same.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Yes I would have ordered a ct scan for you.
I understand this lump poses lots of question which you wish to be answered soon. Unfortunately those questions have definite answers after the scan results are up. Based on your description, the chances of malignancy is sparse. But I can only confirm this statement after reviewing scan results. Moreover scan is not only ordered to see for the metastasis, it also tells from which part it is arising, where all it is adhered, and even might tell if it is benign or a malignant growth. So do not be anxious.
Wait till it is done. It might turn out to be a benign bone cyst. So don't loose hope so early.
The bruising is due to stretching of the skin over the swelling.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for your prompt answer.
The lump causes no pain. I can push and tap it and it does not hurt at all. The bruising is on my legs and arms, they show up arbitrarily with no reason that I can remember regarding injuries.
From what I understand bone cysts are painful and in longer bones, and more common in children.
The doctor dx on the order form for the CT scan was "mass in lymph nodes." She did feel it. Maybe she had to do put that dx for qualification for the CT scan. From what I understand, malignant masses do cause pain.
The lump causes no pain. I can push and tap it and it does not hurt at all. The bruising is on my legs and arms, they show up arbitrarily with no reason that I can remember regarding injuries.
From what I understand bone cysts are painful and in longer bones, and more common in children.
The doctor dx on the order form for the CT scan was "mass in lymph nodes." She did feel it. Maybe she had to do put that dx for qualification for the CT scan. From what I understand, malignant masses do cause pain.
Brief Answer:
malignant masses are usually painless
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Malignant masses are usually painless unless they have infilterated into a nerve to cause pain.
Infective masses are usually painful.
And yes bone cysts are usually seen in children and in long bones but they can present in adults too and in smaller bones too.
If your doctor has felt that the swelling are like lymph node then it is better to wait for the scan.
In the mean time you can get a needle biopsy done to help reach a diagnosis.
Regarding the bruising, well some people are prone to get them at slightest of trauma which usually gets unnoticed. Dont worry about that.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
malignant masses are usually painless
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Malignant masses are usually painless unless they have infilterated into a nerve to cause pain.
Infective masses are usually painful.
And yes bone cysts are usually seen in children and in long bones but they can present in adults too and in smaller bones too.
If your doctor has felt that the swelling are like lymph node then it is better to wait for the scan.
In the mean time you can get a needle biopsy done to help reach a diagnosis.
Regarding the bruising, well some people are prone to get them at slightest of trauma which usually gets unnoticed. Dont worry about that.
Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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