Discovering a lump on the head can be concerning. However, many are common and typically benign. Understanding the various reasons why a lump might appear can help alleviate immediate anxiety. This information provides a general overview of common causes and when medical evaluation is beneficial.
Common Explanations for Head Lumps
Head lumps frequently arise from minor trauma. A common example is a scalp hematoma, which forms when blood collects under the skin following an injury. These often appear swollen and bruised, gradually resolving over a week or two as the body reabsorbs the blood. Another form, a subgaleal hematoma, occurs in a deeper space beneath the scalp’s galea aponeurotica, also resulting from head trauma.
Cysts are another frequent cause of benign head lumps. Epidermal cysts, often called sebaceous cysts, develop from blocked hair follicles or skin injuries, leading to an accumulation of keratin and cellular debris. These are typically slow-growing, rounded, and generally painless unless infected or ruptured. Pilar cysts, also known as trichilemmal cysts, are similar but originate from the outer root sheath of hair follicles and are particularly common on the scalp.
Fatty growths, known as lipomas, are soft, movable lumps composed of mature fat cells. They are generally painless and grow slowly, often feeling doughy. While lipomas can occur anywhere, they are sometimes found on the scalp and face. Another possibility is an osteoma, a benign, slow-growing bone tumor. These bony growths are usually hard and immobile, forming on the skull or jawbone, and often do not cause symptoms unless they grow large enough to press on nerves or block sinuses.
When a Head Lump Warrants Medical Attention
While many head lumps are harmless, certain characteristics or accompanying symptoms should prompt medical evaluation. A lump rapidly increasing in size or changing appearance warrants professional attention. Pain, redness, warmth, or discharge from the lump can indicate an infection, requiring timely medical intervention.
A lump that feels hard and does not move under the skin, or one that persists for more than two weeks, should be assessed by a healthcare provider. Any lump that recurs after previous removal should also be checked. These signs help differentiate between a benign condition and one that might require further investigation.
Beyond the lump, certain neurological symptoms, especially if new or worsening, are significant warning signs. These include persistent or severe headaches, particularly if worse in the morning or accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Vision changes, such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of sight, along with balance problems, dizziness, or confusion, also necessitate immediate medical attention. Weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or seizures, especially without a prior history, are serious indicators that require prompt evaluation.
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
When a head lump prompts a visit to a healthcare provider, the diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask about the lump’s duration, associated symptoms, and past medical conditions. During the physical exam, the provider will visually inspect and palpate the lump to assess its size, shape, consistency, mobility, and tenderness. This initial assessment often provides strong clues about the nature of the lump.
If the nature of the lump is unclear or if there are concerning symptoms, imaging tests may be ordered to visualize underlying structures. An X-ray provides images of bone, while a computed tomography (CT) scan offers more detailed cross-sectional views. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used for a more comprehensive assessment of soft tissues and can show the brain more clearly. These scans help determine the lump’s exact location, size, and its relationship to surrounding tissues or bone.
In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. This procedure involves removing a small piece of the lump, which is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine its cellular composition. A biopsy is often the definitive way to diagnose the type of lump and rule out more serious conditions. The specific tests chosen depend on the initial findings and the doctor’s clinical suspicion.