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What Does A Swollen Bump Behind The Ear Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 27 May 2014
Question: Hi, I have noticed a bump behind my right ear, it feels like bone has become swollen, its hard and there's no pain. Just notice today while having shower. Thks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)
Its sounds like an enlarged lymph node. This can happen for many reasons the commonest being a scalp problem such a eczema or dandruff.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (30 minutes later)
Please see attached picture. Can you please furthe advise? Many thanksr
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Enlarged lymph node

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the picture. Unfortunately it doesn't really show the bump.

If the lump is not painful or red; if it stays the same size; if you are otherwise completely well and if you identify a scalp problem that would explain the lump like eczema or dandruff - then it will likely resolve spontaneously as you treat the dandruff or eczema.

If you have had a viral illness recently then this is also a common reason to see an enlarged lymph node.

If it continues to enlarge or you notice other lumps behind our ear or in your neck or elsewhere is your body like under your arms or in your groins then you you should seek medical attention.

I suspect as I said before in is an enlarged lymph node. This is usually entirely benign and nothing to worry about. It gets better with time or as you deal with the problem that is causing it to be enlarged.

The only way to know for absolute sure what it is, is by removing it (although this is not necessary most of the time as it gets better over a few weeks). If it doesn't improve then this would be a reason to see your doctor.

Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (9 minutes later)
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your e-mail.
I have just been to see my GP and she advised that it's the bone which is sticking out, she has given me anti-biotic. Can you please advise what could this and should I be more concerned now?
Thanks
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be a bony swelling

Detailed Answer:
hi Khalif,

unlikely to be the bone. an enlarged lymph node can feel bony hard. an antibiotic May help an infected lymph node resolve but it will may little difference to a bony lump.

best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (20 minutes later)
Many thanks for your prompt response.
So, is it not something underneath the both sticking it out?

Also, if medicine wouldn't resolve the lump then what's the solution?

Kind Regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
See previous answers

Detailed Answer:
it's unlikely to have a spontaneous bony lump appear in this area. an enlarged lymph node can feel bony hard. it is unlikely to be due to a bacterial infection. I think I have outlined the possible causes and the management if you go back and look at the answes to your previous questions.

best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (28 hours later)
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your e-mail. I have read your e-mails thoroughly and have noted the possibilities you mentioned. With regards to your comment relating to the lump which may not be very visible in the first picture I sent, I have uploaded another picture for your perusal. Can you please look into this and advise if anything different?
Many Thanks
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Very difficult to make out on the picture

Detailed Answer:
hi,

thanks for the additional picture. it's very difficult for me to make out the lump. maybe if you were to draw around it and take a picture with more facial details on it so I could work out exactly where it is that would be helpful.

best wishes

Karl
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)
Hi
I have uploaded it again and circled it around.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Enlarged lymph node

Detailed Answer:
Hi Thanks XXXXXXX for the additional upload.

This does look like a preauricular enlarged lymph node.

Best wishes

Karl
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (33 minutes later)
Thank you, what's the treatment for this and should I be gravely concerned? Regards
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Minor issue usually

Detailed Answer:
hi Khalif,

enlargement of these glands is very common. it is usually due to a scalp issue either eczema or dandruff. sometimes a viral infection will cause the lymph nodes to enlarge. if you otherwise feel well it will likely improve spontaneously over the next few weeks.

best wishes
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 705 Questions

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What Does A Swollen Bump Behind The Ear Indicate?

Its sounds like an enlarged lymph node. This can happen for many reasons the commonest being a scalp problem such a eczema or dandruff.