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What Causes Hard, Immovable Lump Appears To Be Attached To Bone In Between Left Temple And Left Eye Socket?

Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014

Question: 15 years old. Hard, immovable lump appears to be attached to bone in between left temple and left eye socket. The lump itself has bone-like qualities (hard, stationary, etc) Noticed it yesterday... Doesnt appear to be anything bad according to what i've read. What could this be? Thanks so much!!

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: a calcified lymph node or a hematoma Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to HCM. This is Dr. Ashish Verma, a general surgeon, answering to your query. Though much depends upon the size and nature of the swelling....but i guess its small so as to remain unnoticed till yesterday... I cant tell for sure, without examining it...but from what you have described it...it can be a calcified lymph node or a calcified hematoma... from an old injury at that region...or can be a early bone cyst... But first you need to see a general surgeon for a physical examination and an xray of that part +/- a needle biopsy of the swelling. Further management will depend upon the above test results. Hope that i have answered to all your queries. If you have further queries, i will be glad to answer them. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (20 minutes later)

Thanks. Two questions: 1) Pardon my ignorance, im not quite sure, what does calcified mean? 2) Is this something that needs to be removed for health reasons, or only if it becomes a cosmetic concern? Thanks a lot!

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: sorry for not explaining in the first time itself Detailed Answer: Hi, Calcified means...due to deposition of calcium in a long standing swelling...it becomes bony hard. The removal of swelling depends upon its nature...if it is a non cancerous swelling, it can be left till it becomes a cosmetic concern...if it is cancerous or pre cancerous, it needs to be excised....but to distinguish between these to a physical examination is necessary followed by +/- a needle biopsy if that doctor feels so. Hope that i have answered to all your queries. If you dont have further queries, you may close this discussion and rate the response. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (18 minutes later)

Based on my age and the location of the bump, do you think that this is most likely a benign cyst? Based on what I've read it seems like the location of the bump would indicate that it is indeed a cyst, but I want an expert opinion. What does this seem like to you? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer: benign dermoid cyst Detailed Answer: Hi, Based on your age and the location of the swelling...its most likely to be a dermoid cyst...but they usually are not bony hard and immobile... this is the area of confusion... thats why i wanted you to show it to a surgeon for a physical examination as your perception of hardness and immobility may be different from the one followed among we doctors. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (3 minutes later)

It is firm like bone, appears that it is part of the bone. In any event, what type of doctor would be best to see? There is an urgent care center in my town, would that be sufficient? Maybe a dermatologist?

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer: its not an emergency Detailed Answer: Hi, Its not an emergency... you can show it at your leisure... can show to a dermatologist or surgeon or an orthopedic.... whoever is easily available... If it is indeed bony hard and immobile then they may ask you for an xray of the part to see for any bony connection... in that case it will be better to show to an orthopedic first. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (17 minutes later)

Pardon my repeated responses, but I am extremely nervous that this could somehow be cancerous....I have not slept in 24 hours...should I be so worried about this?

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: cancer is unlikely at this age Detailed Answer: Hi, At your age, cancer is very much unlikely. So relax...dont take so much stress...show to an orthopedic... there in nothing much in todays world that can be treated. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (38 hours later)

Ok. About an hour ago I went to the dermatologist. I usually go to the dermatologist for my acne. I wouldnt consider my acne severe, but my face does break out occasionally. So, today, the dermatologist injected all of the pimples on my face with what I believe was cortisone. I also told her about the lump that I told you about. Without feeling it or examining it, she said that it was a cyst and that the injections will get rid of the cyst "quickly". It has been about an hour, and the lump has not reduced in size, nor have the pimples subsided. Is this normal, and if so, how long will it take for the lump to disappear?

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: it wont disappear nor your primles Detailed Answer: Hi, I have never heard nor seen pimples being injected with steroid...i really doubt that it will work...it may even make them worse... For pimples you need to take antibiotics like azithomycin for three days every alternate week if its recurrent...and wash your face twice daily. And that swelling will never go with that or any injection...get an xray and show to a good surgeon. Dr. Ashish Verma

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T