Finding a bump behind the ear can be a source of immediate concern. While it is natural to feel worried, many bumps in this area are benign and common. These lumps vary significantly in size, texture, and whether they cause pain, reflecting diverse potential causes. Understanding these possibilities can help clarify what might be happening.
Common Explanations for Bumps
An enlarged lymph node is a frequent reason for a bump behind the ear. Lymph nodes, part of the immune system, filter foreign substances. They swell in response to infections in the ear, mouth, scalp, or systemic infections like mononucleosis. Swollen posterior auricular lymph nodes often feel small, rubbery, and sometimes tender, typically shrinking as the infection resolves.
A sebaceous cyst is another common cause, forming when a sebaceous gland, which produces skin oil (sebum), becomes blocked. These cysts are soft, movable lumps filled with a cheesy, oily substance. They can occur anywhere, including behind the ear, and usually do not cause pain unless infected or inflamed.
Lipomas are another benign explanation for a lump behind the ear. These are soft, fatty growths that develop slowly between the skin and the underlying muscle. They are generally painless, movable, and soft to the touch. While more common on the trunk, they can appear anywhere fat cells are present, including behind the ear.
Folliculitis or acne can also cause bumps behind the ear. Folliculitis is inflamed hair follicles, often from bacterial infection, appearing as small red bumps or pus-filled pimples that can be itchy or sore. Acne develops when skin pores block with sebum and dead skin cells, leading to inflamed pimples or cysts. These conditions can arise from excess oil, sweat, or friction from headwear.
Other Potential Causes
Other less frequent conditions can also result in a bump behind the ear. Mastoiditis is a serious bacterial infection affecting the mastoid bone, located directly behind the ear. It typically develops as a complication of an untreated ear infection, causing tenderness, swelling, and sometimes pushing the ear outward. Additional symptoms may include ear discharge, fever, and headache.
Bone spurs, known as osteomas, are benign bony growths that can form on any bone, including the skull behind the ear. While generally harmless, they can sometimes grow large enough to cause discomfort or become noticeable. Unlike soft tissue lumps, osteomas feel hard and fixed.
Epidermoid cysts are distinct from sebaceous cysts. They arise from trapped skin cells beneath the surface, often due to clogged hair follicles or skin injuries. These cysts are slow-growing, firm, and contain keratin. While generally benign, they can become inflamed or infected.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many bumps behind the ear are harmless, certain characteristics or accompanying symptoms indicate the need for medical evaluation. Consult a doctor if the bump appears suddenly, grows rapidly, or changes in size, shape, or color.
Seek medical advice if the bump is painful, tender, warm, or red, as these signs can suggest infection or inflammation. The presence of pus or discharge also warrants a doctor’s visit. Other concerning symptoms include fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or if the bump feels hard and fixed, rather than movable.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
A doctor’s visit for a bump behind the ear typically begins with a thorough physical examination. The doctor will assess the bump’s size, texture, mobility, and any associated redness, warmth, or tenderness. They will also inquire about your medical history, recent illnesses, and symptoms like pain, fever, or changes in the bump over time.
Depending on the initial assessment, further diagnostic tests may be recommended to determine the underlying cause. Blood tests can help identify signs of infection or inflammation. Imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, might be used to visualize the bump’s internal structure and its relationship to surrounding tissues. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed.
Treatment approaches will vary based on the diagnosis. For infections, antibiotics might be prescribed. Cysts that are large, painful, or frequently infected may require drainage or surgical removal. Benign growths like lipomas or osteomas might not need treatment unless they cause discomfort or grow significantly. The doctor will discuss the most appropriate course of action.