A noticeable protrusion or swelling on the temple can be a source of concern. While many such bumps are harmless and resolve without intervention, they can also indicate various underlying conditions. This article provides general information on common causes of temple bumps, from benign to potentially serious, and outlines when medical evaluation is beneficial. This information serves as a general guide and should not replace professional medical advice.
Common Benign Causes
Many bumps on the temple arise from common, non-cancerous conditions. Epidermoid cysts, often mistakenly called sebaceous cysts, are frequent. These small, rounded lumps beneath the skin contain thick, cheese-like keratin and may have a tiny dark pore. They are usually slow-growing and painless unless inflamed or infected, causing tenderness, redness, or discharge.
Lipomas are another common benign cause. These soft, fatty lumps feel doughy or rubbery and move easily. They are typically painless unless they press on nerves. Lipomas are the most common type of tumor found under the skin.
Inflammation of hair follicles (folliculitis) or acne breakouts can also manifest as temple bumps. Folliculitis presents as small, red, pimple-like bumps with white tips or pus, and cause itching or tenderness. Acne results from clogged pores from excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Headwear, certain hair products, and hormonal changes can contribute to temple acne.
Bumps can also arise from minor trauma or insect bites. A hematoma, a collection of blood under the skin, forms after trauma, resulting in a bruised, swollen area. Insect bites cause localized swelling, redness, and itching. Other benign skin growths like skin tags, small flesh-colored growths, or moles, pigmented spots, are usually harmless.
Potentially Serious Conditions
Some temple bumps can signal more serious conditions. Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammation of artery linings. This condition causes a persistent, severe headache, along with scalp tenderness. Other symptoms include jaw pain while chewing, vision changes, and sudden vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent permanent vision loss.
A temple bump may also be a tumor, which can be benign or malignant. Soft tissue sarcomas, a rare cancer, develop in connective tissues like fat or muscle. They often appear as a painless lump deep under the skin, feeling firm and growing over time. While initially painless, they may cause discomfort as they enlarge. Bone tumors can also occur in the skull, presenting as a noticeable bump.
Deeper infections, such as abscesses, are another serious cause. An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can be painful, red, and warm. These infections may cause systemic symptoms like fever and chills, and the redness can spread. Untreated abscesses can lead to severe complications if the infection spreads.
Identifying When to Seek Medical Care
Recognizing a temple bump’s characteristics helps determine when medical consultation is appropriate. Seek medical care if a bump appears suddenly or grows rapidly, as this could indicate a more aggressive condition. Persistent or worsening pain, tenderness, or redness associated with the bump requires evaluation, especially if symptoms do not improve with home care.
Changes in the bump’s color or texture, or if it becomes hard, fixed, or irregularly shaped, should also prompt a doctor’s visit. Any associated symptoms, such as fever, chills, new or severe headaches, vision changes, numbness, or weakness, indicate medical attention is needed. If a bump develops after a head injury with dizziness or confusion, immediate medical assessment is important. Even if a bump causes no physical discomfort but leads to cosmetic concern or anxiety, consulting a healthcare professional is a reasonable step.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment Approaches
Medical evaluation for a temple bump typically begins with a thorough physical examination and detailed medical history. The doctor will inquire about the bump’s onset, duration, associated symptoms, and changes over time. They will also assess its size, texture, mobility, and tenderness.
Depending on initial findings, diagnostic tests may be recommended to visualize the bump’s internal structure and determine its nature. These can include imaging studies such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans. In some cases, a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis) may confirm a diagnosis, particularly if a serious condition like a tumor or temporal arteritis is suspected.
Treatment approaches vary widely based on the diagnosis. For benign, asymptomatic bumps like cysts or lipomas, observation may be the primary approach. Inflammatory or infectious causes, such as folliculitis or abscesses, often respond to medication, including antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. For conditions like temporal arteritis, immediate high-dose corticosteroids are typically started even before biopsy confirmation, given the risk of vision loss. Surgical removal is an option for cysts, lipomas, or suspicious growths, especially if they are bothersome, growing, or confirmed to be malignant.