Discovering a bump at the back of the head can be concerning. While many are often harmless, understanding their potential causes can help determine when medical advice might be beneficial. This article offers general information regarding common causes of head bumps and what steps to consider.
Common Explanations for Head Bumps
Bumps on the head frequently arise from minor impacts or injuries, such as a fall. These incidents can lead to a hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the skin that appears as a bruise and a raised area. These bumps typically feel firm or soft, can be tender to the touch, and usually resolve on their own within days to a few weeks.
Some head bumps are cysts, which are benign sacs filled with fluid, air, or other material. Pilar cysts are common on the scalp, originating from hair follicles, and often feel firm, smooth, and movable under the skin. Sebaceous cysts form when a sebaceous gland duct becomes blocked, leading to a build-up of sebum, and typically appear as slow-growing, painless lumps. Both types generally pose no health risk unless they become inflamed or infected.
Lipomas are another common benign growth that can appear as a soft, movable lump beneath the skin. These are collections of fatty tissue that grow slowly and are typically painless. Lipomas feel rubbery, vary in size, and often remain stable for long periods.
A bump might also be a bone spur, a bony growth that can develop on the skull. These are often painless and can form as a response to aging or localized stress on the bone. Folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles, can cause small, red, tender bumps, sometimes with pus. A skin abscess, a localized collection of pus, can also form as a painful, swollen lump due to a bacterial infection.
When a Head Bump Requires Medical Attention
While many head bumps are benign, certain characteristics or accompanying symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation. A bump that is rapidly growing, becomes unusually large, or changes noticeably in appearance warrants professional assessment. If a bump appears suddenly after a significant head injury or fall, seek medical advice, even if it initially seems minor.
Persistent or worsening pain and tenderness associated with a head bump indicate a need for medical attention. This includes pain that does not subside with over-the-counter medication or intensifies over time. Changes in the skin around the bump, such as increasing redness, warmth, pus discharge, or breaks in the skin, suggest a potential infection or other complication.
The presence of other symptoms alongside a head bump can signal a more serious underlying issue. These include persistent headaches, vision changes, confusion or disorientation, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Neck stiffness, numbness, or weakness in any part of the body are also concerning.
A bump that does not resolve or improve over a few weeks without a clear explanation should also be evaluated. This information provides general guidance and cannot replace the personalized advice of a healthcare professional.
How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Head Bumps
When consulting a doctor about a head bump, the process typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask about when the bump first appeared, how it has changed, any associated symptoms like pain or fever, and whether there was a recent injury. During the physical exam, the doctor will carefully feel the bump to assess its size, texture, mobility, and tenderness.
Based on the initial assessment, the doctor may determine that no further tests are necessary, especially if the bump appears to be a common, benign type like a small hematoma or a typical cyst. However, if there is uncertainty about the bump’s nature or if it presents with concerning features, diagnostic tests may be recommended. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, can provide detailed views of underlying structures, helping to rule out bone issues or identify the contents. A CT scan, for example, can differentiate between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass.
In some cases, a biopsy might be performed, where a small tissue sample from the bump is removed and examined under a microscope. This procedure is used to confirm a diagnosis, especially if a more serious condition is suspected, and to determine if a growth is benign or malignant. The treatment approach for a head bump depends entirely on the diagnosis.
For benign and asymptomatic bumps, such as small lipomas or cysts, the doctor may recommend observation, meaning no immediate treatment is needed unless they grow or cause discomfort. Infections, like folliculitis or abscesses, are often treated with antibiotics; abscesses may require drainage. Larger or symptomatic cysts, or those cosmetically bothersome, can often be removed through minor surgical procedures. If a bump is determined to be a more serious growth, surgical removal or other specialized treatments would be discussed.