Individuals often notice a bump on the back of their head, which can cause concern. While some bumps are normal anatomical features, others may indicate different, often benign, conditions. This article clarifies various types of head bumps.
Normal Anatomical Bumps
The external occipital protuberance (EOP) is a common bump on the back of the head. This normal bony prominence is located at the lower rear part of the skull, where the head meets the neck. It serves as an attachment point for neck muscles and ligaments, supporting the head and facilitating movement.
The EOP feels hard and fixed to the skull, and its size can vary significantly from person to person. For some, it might be barely noticeable, while for others, it can be quite prominent. Its presence is a normal part of human anatomy.
Other Common Head Bumps
Beyond normal bone structures, other common causes can lead to bumps on the back of the head. Cysts, such as sebaceous cysts, are non-cancerous sacs that form under the skin, often feeling soft or movable.
Lipomas are benign growths of fatty tissue beneath the skin. They feel soft, rubbery, and are easily movable. Injuries can also cause a bump, often accompanied by tenderness, swelling, or bruising, which usually resolves over time. Lastly, inflammatory conditions like folliculitis or boils, which are infections of hair follicles, can appear as tender, red, and sometimes painful bumps on the scalp.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many head bumps are harmless, certain signs warrant a medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if a bump rapidly grows in size or appears suddenly without an obvious cause. Pain, tenderness, or warmth around the bump, along with any changes in the overlying skin color such as redness, should also prompt a visit.
A bump that feels pulsatile, soft, or fluid-filled and changes over time, particularly if it is accompanied by systemic symptoms, requires attention. These accompanying symptoms might include fever, persistent headache, changes in vision, dizziness, or confusion, especially after a head injury. Bumps that are hard, fixed, and irregular, or feel distinctly different from the normal external occipital protuberance, should also be evaluated. Any bump that causes discomfort or persists without improvement or worsens over time should be assessed by a medical professional.