Could a painful lump behind the ear be cancerous?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a small lump a short way behind my ear where my hairline starts, and it feels hard; it sort of feels like it is attached. When I apply enough pressure to it, it causes me head pain and pricks of pain just above the eye. Could this possibly be cancer? It feels like bone. Is it just a part of my skull? I have noticed it there for about a year. I do not know if it was there before.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

First, this could be a benign growth such as a cyst or a lymph node. Cysts can form when a hair follicle or skin gland becomes blocked, and lymph nodes can swell due to infection or inflammation in the area. Second, the hard feeling and sensation of it being attached might suggest a bony structure, like a bony protrusion osteoma. These are generally harmless but can be concerning when they cause discomfort or pain. It is less common for lumps of this nature, especially in younger individuals, to be cancerous. However, examination by a healthcare professional is a must.

I hope this helps you.

Revert in case of queries.

Regards.