HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes A Sore Spot In The Head On The Occipital Bone?

I was rubbing my head and noticed a sore spot. I then tried feeling for an infect or zit but realized a small bump on my head. It does move and feels like bone. The other side does not have the bump. I would say it s on the lower right side of the occipital bone. I have been reading it could be a cyst or an infected *lymph nod. It is sore when touched.
Wed, 2 Dec 2015
Report Abuse
Neurologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hello. Thanks for asking from HCM.


I can understand your concern. You have already read about scalp swellings. As you have found that, this swelling is tender on pressing, firm, mobile on bone and present on right lower part occipital bone, most probably it could be a cyst like swelling in scalp layer.

Mostly these cysts are benign (non-dangerous). Most common swellings are sebaceous cyst, dermoid cyst, reactive lymph node. It can only be confirmed by biopsy or fine needle aspiration (FNAC).

You can differentiate between these swellings to some extent. Like in case of sebaceous cyst, if it is carefully observed, a dark spot (punctum) can be seen over it. It is painless, but may be tender on pressing. Treatment is complete surgical excision of swelling with capsule. Mostly it is down under local anaesthesia if patient is co-operative.

Dermoid cyst is similar to sebaceous cyst, but without punctum. If swelling is moved to one side, bony defect below it can be felt. Treatment is similar to dermoid cyst.

Reactive lymph node is usually associated with some scalp disease like dandruff, skin infection, may be TB if you are from tropical country. Diagnosis can be confirmed by FNAC.

Do not be scared.

Thanks. Hope it will help you. Take care.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Occipital bone


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes A Sore Spot In The Head On The Occipital Bone?

Hello. Thanks for asking from HCM. I can understand your concern. You have already read about scalp swellings. As you have found that, this swelling is tender on pressing, firm, mobile on bone and present on right lower part occipital bone, most probably it could be a cyst like swelling in scalp layer. Mostly these cysts are benign (non-dangerous). Most common swellings are sebaceous cyst, dermoid cyst, reactive lymph node. It can only be confirmed by biopsy or fine needle aspiration (FNAC). You can differentiate between these swellings to some extent. Like in case of sebaceous cyst, if it is carefully observed, a dark spot (punctum) can be seen over it. It is painless, but may be tender on pressing. Treatment is complete surgical excision of swelling with capsule. Mostly it is down under local anaesthesia if patient is co-operative. Dermoid cyst is similar to sebaceous cyst, but without punctum. If swelling is moved to one side, bony defect below it can be felt. Treatment is similar to dermoid cyst. Reactive lymph node is usually associated with some scalp disease like dandruff, skin infection, may be TB if you are from tropical country. Diagnosis can be confirmed by FNAC. Do not be scared. Thanks. Hope it will help you. Take care.