Finding a bump behind the ear can be unsettling. Most lumps in this area are harmless and often resolve without extensive intervention. Understanding the potential causes, from common benign conditions to less frequent but more serious issues, can help. Knowing when to seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment is also important.
Common Benign Causes
Swollen lymph nodes are a frequent reason for a bump behind the ear. These small, bean-shaped glands are part of the immune system, filtering harmful substances and swelling in response to infections in the head, throat, or ear, such as colds, strep throat, or ear infections. Swollen lymph nodes typically feel soft and movable, and the swelling usually subsides once the underlying infection clears.
Cysts are another common cause of bumps behind the ear. Sebaceous cysts form when sebaceous glands become blocked, leading to a sac filled with sebum. These are generally soft, movable, and often painless unless they become infected or inflamed. Epidermoid cysts, sometimes confused with sebaceous cysts, arise from clogged hair follicles or skin injuries, trapping dead skin cells beneath the surface, and usually contain keratin.
Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that can develop anywhere, including behind the ear. These lumps are typically soft, movable, and usually painless unless they press on nearby nerves. They often do not require removal unless they become large or bothersome.
Acne or folliculitis can also cause small, tender bumps behind the ear. Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Folliculitis involves inflamed hair follicles, often due to bacterial infection, resulting in red, painful bumps. These skin conditions often resolve with topical treatments.
Less Common, More Serious Causes
Less common but more serious causes warrant attention. Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection of the mastoid bone located behind the ear. This infection typically occurs as a complication of an untreated middle ear infection, causing symptoms such as throbbing ear pain, redness, swelling, fever, and sometimes pus drainage. Mastoiditis requires prompt medical treatment, usually with antibiotics, to prevent serious complications like hearing loss or spread of infection.
Osteomas are benign bone growths behind the ear, often feeling hard, smooth, and fixed. These growths are usually painless unless they press on nerves or other structures. They may be removed if they cause symptoms or cosmetic concerns.
An abscess is a collection of pus due to a bacterial infection. These lumps are often painful, warm, and red, and may require drainage and antibiotics. An untreated abscess can lead to further infection.
Tumors, both benign and, rarely, malignant, can occur. For example, tumors of the parotid gland, a major salivary gland located in front of and below the ear, can present as a lump. Most parotid gland tumors are non-cancerous and slow-growing, though a small percentage can be malignant. These tumors usually manifest as a painless swelling.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a healthcare professional if a bump behind the ear appears suddenly without an obvious reason, such as an infection. Also seek medical advice if the bump causes severe pain or tenderness, or if it is excessively large. Consult a doctor if the lump persists or increases in size despite home care, or if it is accompanied by other worrying symptoms.
Specific “red flag” symptoms include rapid growth of the lump, marked redness, warmth, or pus drainage. Additional symptoms like fever, chills, difficulty moving the neck, or changes in hearing or balance warrant prompt medical attention. A lump that feels hard, fixed in place, or has an irregular shape also requires medical assessment.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
A healthcare provider will typically begin the diagnostic process by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination of the bump and surrounding area. This initial assessment helps determine the characteristics of the lump, such as its size, consistency, tenderness, and mobility. Depending on the initial findings, further tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to visualize the lump’s internal structure and its relationship to surrounding tissues. In cases where malignancy is suspected, a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis, may be performed. The specific treatment approach for a bump behind the ear depends entirely on its underlying cause.
Infections, such as those causing swollen lymph nodes, mastoiditis, or abscesses, are commonly treated with antibiotics. Cysts or abscesses that are persistent, painful, or infected may require drainage or surgical removal. Harmless lipomas or small, asymptomatic cysts might only need observation without active intervention. If a tumor is identified, surgical removal is often the primary treatment, sometimes followed by radiation therapy for malignant cases.