When a bump appears on the back of your head, it can naturally cause concern. While many such bumps are benign and resolve without intervention, understanding the potential reasons behind their appearance is beneficial. Recognizing common characteristics can help individuals determine if and when professional medical evaluation is appropriate.
Common Reasons for a Bump
A common cause for a bump on the head is a hematoma, often resulting from a minor injury or impact. These bumps form when blood vessels beneath the skin rupture, leading to a collection of blood and localized swelling. They feel soft or spongy, may appear discolored (bruised), and usually diminish in size over several days to weeks as the body reabsorbs the blood.
Cysts, such as epidermoid or sebaceous cysts, are non-cancerous sacs that develop under the skin. Epidermoid cysts originate from trapped skin cells and keratin, feeling firm and movable. Sebaceous cysts arise from blocked or damaged sebaceous glands and contain an oily, cheese-like substance. Both types grow slowly, are painless unless infected or ruptured, and can persist for long periods.
Lipomas are soft, rubbery, non-cancerous growths of fatty tissue that develop just beneath the skin. These bumps are painless, easily movable, and grow slowly, often remaining stable in size for years. They are more common in adults and do not require medical intervention unless they become bothersome or grow significantly.
Bumps can also arise from inflamed hair follicles or skin infections, such as folliculitis or boils. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become irritated or infected, resulting in small, red, tender bumps that may contain pus. A boil is a deeper, more severe infection of a hair follicle, forming a painful, red, pus-filled lump that can enlarge over several days. These infections present with warmth and tenderness, and may eventually rupture to drain pus.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if a bump on the back of your head appears following a significant head injury, especially if accompanied by loss of consciousness, confusion, memory problems, or a severe, persistent headache. These symptoms could indicate a more serious issue, such as a concussion or intracranial bleeding, requiring immediate evaluation.
A bump that grows rapidly, changes shape or color, or develops an irregular border warrants professional assessment. Any bump accompanied by severe or increasing pain, redness, warmth, or pus discharge suggests a possible infection requiring medical treatment.
Neurological symptoms alongside a head bump, such as vision changes, dizziness, persistent nausea or vomiting, weakness, numbness, or difficulty with balance, are red flags. These signs could point to pressure on the brain or other neurological compromise.
Consult a healthcare provider if a bump feels unusually hard, is fixed to underlying tissue, or does not resolve or worsens over a few weeks. While many bumps are benign, these characteristics can be associated with less common, more serious conditions that require proper diagnosis.
How a Doctor Diagnoses a Bump
When evaluating a bump on the back of the head, a doctor begins by gathering a detailed medical history. They ask about when the bump first appeared, whether it followed an injury, and any associated symptoms like pain, fever, or changes in vision or balance. Information regarding past medical conditions and medications is also collected to provide a comprehensive view of the patient’s health.
Following the history, a physical examination is performed. The doctor carefully inspects and palpates the bump. During this examination, they assess its size, shape, consistency (e.g., soft, firm, hard), tenderness, and whether it is movable under the skin or fixed to deeper tissues. The surrounding skin is also examined for signs of redness, warmth, or swelling.
If further investigation is needed, imaging tests may be ordered to visualize underlying structures. An X-ray may be used to check for bone fractures if trauma is suspected. A computed tomography (CT) scan provides detailed cross-sectional images, helping to identify internal bleeding or bone abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers more detailed soft tissue visualization, useful for evaluating cysts, lipomas, or other growths, and assessing their relationship to brain tissue if neurological symptoms are present.
Treatment Options for Bumps on the Head
For many benign and asymptomatic bumps, such as small hematomas from minor trauma or uncomplicated cysts and lipomas, observation (watchful waiting) is often the primary approach. The doctor may recommend monitoring the bump for changes in size, shape, or associated symptoms, as many resolve on their own or remain stable without intervention. Applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort for acute trauma-related bumps.
Medications are used when the bump is caused by an infection or is associated with pain and inflammation. Oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections like boils or infected cysts, helping to clear the infection and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage discomfort and reduce inflammation associated with various types of bumps.
Minor procedures can be performed for certain types of bumps, particularly those that are infected or fluid-filled. This may involve incision and drainage of an abscess or cyst to remove accumulated pus or fluid, providing immediate relief from pain and pressure. These procedures are performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
Surgical removal is considered for specific types of bumps, including cysts or lipomas that are large, symptomatic (causing pain or discomfort), cosmetically bothersome, or if malignancy is suspected. Surgical excision involves removing the entire bump and is often a definitive treatment. The removed tissue is sent for pathological examination to confirm its nature and ensure it is benign.