Contents:
- Medical Video: Signs of Head & Neck Cancer
- The cause of a lump behind the ear
- Infection
- Mastoiditis
- Abscess
- Otitis media
- Lymphadenopathy
- Other causes
- When should you see a doctor if there is a lump behind your ear?
Medical Video: Signs of Head & Neck Cancer
When you look in the mirror, you may find a lump behind the ear that suddenly appears. You are absolutely sure that the lump never existed before. So what does this mean?
The cause of a lump behind the ear
In most cases, a lump behind the ear is not dangerous and is easy to cure. But this condition can signal a more serious problem. Let's peel one by one what is the cause of the lump behind the ear.
Infection
Several types of bacterial and viral infections can cause swelling in and around the neck or face, which can form as a lump behind the ear. One of them is infection mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
In addition, a lump behind the ear can also be caused by HIV / AIDS, measles and smallpox.
Mastoiditis
Ear infections that are not treated can spread to the mastoid bone behind the ear. This condition is calledmastoiditis. Lumps behind the ear due to mastoiditis will be accompanied by pus, fever, inflammation, and discharge from the ear.
Mastoiditis can be treated with oral antibiotics, ear drops, and routine ear cleaning by a doctor. If the treatment is not successful, surgery may be needed to prevent further complications.
Abscess
An abscess is a pus-filled lump that developswhen the immune system fights bacteria or viruses that cause infection. If an infection occurs around the ear, an abscess can appear behind the ear. Abscesses often hurt and are warm to the touch.
Otitis media
Otitis media is an infection in the middle ear. This infection can cause inflammation such as swelling and redness, and buildup of fluid behind the eardrum. These symptoms can cause a lump behind the ear.
Otitis media can mostly disappear on its own without the need for treatment within 3-5 days. But if needed, you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve high fever and pain.
Lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy is a swelling of the lymph glands that is usually caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer. Lymph nodes are found in under the arms, neck, pelvis, and behind the ears.
Other causes
- Sebaceous cysts is a non-cancerous lump that arises under the skin and develops around the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands).
- Acne
- Lipoma is a fat lump that grows between the layers of skin. Can grow anywhere, including behind the ear and almost always harmless. Lipoma is not always detected from the surface of the skin, but when it grows bigger, chances are you will be able to feel it with your hands.
When should you see a doctor if there is a lump behind your ear?
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately if a lump appears behind the ear. This method is safer than guessing what you really want, which can increase the risk of medication errors. Going to a doctor can help you get the right and effective treatment.
Check the lump behind the ear, especially if:
- Feels sick, reddish, chewy, or a fluid-filled lump.
- Moving lumps
- The lump is getting bigger
- Appeared suddenly
- It comes with other symptoms
Most likely, this lump includes a tumor. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is the right step to find out if the tumor is cancerous or benign.
