- 1. Infection
- 2. Mastoiditis
- 3. Acne
- 4. Sebaceous cyst
- 5. Lipoma
- 6. Swelling of the lymph nodes
- When to go to the doctor
In most cases, the lump behind the ear does not cause any kind of pain, itching or discomfort and, therefore, it is usually not a sign of something dangerous, happening through simple situations like acne or a benign cyst.
However, the lump can also arise from infections at the site, which need more attention and appropriate treatment. Thus, if the lump causes pain, it takes a long time to disappear, if it has a very irregular shape or if it increases in size, it is very important to consult a dermatologist or general practitioner, to identify the cause and start the treatment.
As previously indicated, the lump behind the ear can have several origins:
1. Infection
The lumps behind the ear can be caused by infections in the throat or neck, such as pharyngitis, cold, flu, mononucleosis, otitis, conjunctivitis, herpes, cavities, gingivitis, or measles, for example. This happens due to the inflammation of the lymph nodes in the region, which increase in size as the body fights infection.
When this happens, it is important not to mess with the swelling site to facilitate recovery, as the nodes slowly return to their original size as soon as the underlying infection is treated.
2. Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis consists of an infection in the bone located behind the ear, which can occur after an ear infection, especially if it is not treated well, and can cause a lump.
This problem is more common in children under 2 years old, but it can occur at any age, being accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, decreased ability to listen and release of fluid by the ear, for example. Learn more details about the symptoms and treatment of mastoiditis.
3. Acne
In acne, the pores of the skin can become blocked due to the excess production of sebum by the sebaceous glands, located at the base of the hair follicle, which mixes with skin cells, and this mixture forms a pimple that can swell and become sore.
Although it is more rare, acne can also affect the skin behind the ear, leading to the appearance of a lump that can disappear on its own. Learn how to treat acne.
4. Sebaceous cyst
The sebaceous cyst is a type of lump that forms under the skin, which is composed of a substance called sebum, which can appear in any region of the body. It is generally soft to the touch, can move when touched or pressed, and usually does not hurt, unless it becomes inflamed, sensitive and reddish, becoming painful, and it is necessary to see a dermatologist, who may recommend a minor surgery for remove the cyst. See more about sebaceous cyst.
The soft, rounded lump on the skin can also be a lipoma, a type of benign tumor, composed of fat cells, which must also be removed through surgery or liposuction.
5. Lipoma
Lipoma is a type of lump that does not cause pain or other symptoms, being composed of an accumulation of fat cells, which can appear anywhere on the body and that grows slowly. Learn how to identify lipoma.
What differentiates lipoma from a sebaceous cyst is its constitution. The lipoma is composed of adipose cells and the sebaceous cyst is composed of sebum, however, the treatment is always the same, and consists of surgery to remove the fibrous capsule.
6. Swelling of the lymph nodes
The lymph nodes, also known as lingua, are spread throughout the body, and when they get enlarged, they usually indicate an infection or inflammation of the region in which they arise, and may also arise due to autoimmune diseases, use of medicines or even cancer of head, neck or lymphoma, for example. Understand the function of the lymph nodes and where they are.
Generally, the waters tend to have benign and transient causes, being a few millimeters in diameter and disappearing in a period of about 3 to 30 days. However, if they continue to grow, last longer than 30 days or are accompanied by weight loss and fever, it is important to go to the doctor, to make the appropriate treatment.
When to go to the doctor
You should go to the doctor if the lump behind the ear suddenly appears, remains fixed and immobile to the touch, persists for a long time, or if it is accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:
- Pain and redness; Increased size; Change in shape; Exit and pus or other liquid; Difficulty moving the head or neck; Difficulty swallowing.
In these cases, the doctor can make a physical evaluation of the lump based on its appearance and reaction to touch, as well as an evaluation of other symptoms such as fever and chills, which may indicate infection. If the lump is painful, it may be a sign of abscess or pimple.
The treatment depends a lot on the origin of the lump, and can disappear without any treatment, or it can consist of the administration of antibiotics in case of infection, or even surgery in the case of lipomas and sebaceous cysts.
