Finding a new lump, such as a ball behind your ear, can cause concern. While many are benign and often resolve on their own, understanding their potential origins is helpful. Some lumps may indicate an underlying condition that warrants medical attention. This information can help you determine when to monitor a lump and when to seek professional medical advice.
Common Explanations for a Lump
A frequent reason for a lump behind the ear is a swollen lymph node. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the immune system, filtering harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. They can enlarge in response to various infections, such as ear infections, colds, strep throat, or mononucleosis. These swollen nodes typically feel soft, are movable under the skin, and may be tender to the touch.
Another common type of lump is a cyst, specifically sebaceous or epidermoid cysts. Sebaceous cysts arise from blocked sebaceous glands and are filled with sebum. Epidermoid cysts form when skin cells become trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Both types are generally slow-growing, soft or firm, and movable, though they can become painful, red, or inflamed if infected.
Lipomas are another benign cause, presenting as soft, fatty lumps that develop slowly between the skin and muscle. These growths are usually harmless and painless, often feeling movable when pressed. They can occur anywhere on the body where fat cells are present, including behind the ear. Localized skin infections or abscesses can also lead to painful, red, pus-filled lumps when bacteria infiltrate tissue.
Less Common or Concerning Causes
Some lumps behind the ear can point to more serious conditions. Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located directly behind the ear. This condition often develops as a complication of an untreated middle ear infection. Symptoms include significant pain, redness, swelling behind the ear that may cause the ear to protrude, ear discharge, fever, headache, and hearing loss.
Other types of benign tumors can also manifest as a lump in this area. Osteomas, for instance, are non-cancerous bone growths that can occur in the skull, including behind the ear; these are hard and fixed. A lump behind the ear could also be a sign of cancer, such as skin cancers.
Cancers of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland, can also present as a lump that extends behind the ear. In some cases, an enlarged lymph node could be a sign of lymphoma or a metastatic lymph node. Malignant lumps are typically firm, fixed in place, and may have an irregular shape.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
You should consult a healthcare professional if the lump is growing rapidly or changing in shape. A lump that feels hard, fixed, and immovable, rather than soft and mobile, also warrants evaluation. Signs of infection, such as the lump becoming painful, red, or warm to the touch, or if it discharges pus or fluid, indicate a need for medical attention.
Other accompanying symptoms that suggest a professional consultation include fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats. Difficulty moving the neck or jaw, persistent ear pain, or changes in hearing should also prompt a medical visit. Any new, unexplained lump persisting for more than a few weeks warrants medical advice.
How a Diagnosis is Made
When consulting a healthcare professional about a lump behind your ear, diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination. The doctor will examine the lump, assessing its size, shape, consistency, tenderness, and mobility. They will also review your medical history, asking about the lump’s duration, any associated symptoms, recent infections, and your overall health.
Based on initial findings, further diagnostic tests may be recommended. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, provide detailed images of the lump’s internal structure and its relationship to surrounding tissues. These tests help determine if the lump is solid or fluid-filled. Blood tests may be ordered to check for signs of infection or inflammation.
If a serious underlying condition is suspected, a biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the lump for laboratory analysis. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope to identify the cells’ nature, providing a definitive diagnosis. This step is often necessary to rule out or confirm the presence of cancerous cells.