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What Causes A Lump On The Scalp?
Question: I have a hard immovable lump above my ear in my hair line, it is painless, feels like it's part of my skull and has grown over 2 months. I feel a bit tired and dizzy sometimes but the lump is painless.
Every week for 4 weeks I've had a night of cold/hot sweats but I'm otherwise well. The lump doesn't move or squish, it just grows slowly and is hard as a rock. No burning swelling or itching and is completely different to the opposite side of my skull.
I'm worried about the dizziness and the nights of weird cold shivers.
Every week for 4 weeks I've had a night of cold/hot sweats but I'm otherwise well. The lump doesn't move or squish, it just grows slowly and is hard as a rock. No burning swelling or itching and is completely different to the opposite side of my skull.
I'm worried about the dizziness and the nights of weird cold shivers.
Brief Answer:
Lump seems benign, dizziness is common but tests might be considered
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
A lump in the area you mention might be due to a few causes and almost all are benign and not dangerous.
The most common cause i would say is a dermoyd cyst of the scalp which is a cyst formed from blocked fat glands that can not drain the fat on the surface of the skin. they might stay stable or grow and are generally not tender unless they get inflamed and start to rupture and drain the content- it is still Ok if this happens.
Another cause would be a lymphnode. This might happen due to infections you might be going through or if you have a wound or a problem in the scalp. It is not explained if the lump was first noticed 2 months ago or it was noticed earlier for years for example and the last 2 months it is getting bigger???
As long as a lymphnode is less than 2 cm in diameter there is nothing to worry and we can just watch it. If it goes beyond 2 cm in diameter than you will need to speak with a doctor to have a look at it.
Rarely a skin lump is a skin tumor but I would not expect to grow so quick in 2 months so it is very unlikely it is so.
As for the dizziness it is common to have them with colds as the viral infections might affect the ear also and one of the functions of the ear is the balance and when affected might cause dizziness.
Because you are having so many common colds and I did not see that you have had a check recently I would recommend you to do:
1. CBC with ERS
2. If you have not been tested in the last 2 years do: HIV, HBsAg (for HepB), VDRL (for siphiliz).
3. TSH- is a test for thyroid
4. If your hearing is affected also and if you have noises in the ear I would also recommend audiogramme.
5. If you have neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness on one limb or arm, if difficulty swallowing, if visual changes, if headaches, if fainting episodes or problems with balance than I would recommend you to see a neurologist and make sure you have a neurological exam. your doctor might order a head MRI if he finds any abnormalities in neurological examination then.
I hope this is helpful and answers to your question.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
Lump seems benign, dizziness is common but tests might be considered
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
A lump in the area you mention might be due to a few causes and almost all are benign and not dangerous.
The most common cause i would say is a dermoyd cyst of the scalp which is a cyst formed from blocked fat glands that can not drain the fat on the surface of the skin. they might stay stable or grow and are generally not tender unless they get inflamed and start to rupture and drain the content- it is still Ok if this happens.
Another cause would be a lymphnode. This might happen due to infections you might be going through or if you have a wound or a problem in the scalp. It is not explained if the lump was first noticed 2 months ago or it was noticed earlier for years for example and the last 2 months it is getting bigger???
As long as a lymphnode is less than 2 cm in diameter there is nothing to worry and we can just watch it. If it goes beyond 2 cm in diameter than you will need to speak with a doctor to have a look at it.
Rarely a skin lump is a skin tumor but I would not expect to grow so quick in 2 months so it is very unlikely it is so.
As for the dizziness it is common to have them with colds as the viral infections might affect the ear also and one of the functions of the ear is the balance and when affected might cause dizziness.
Because you are having so many common colds and I did not see that you have had a check recently I would recommend you to do:
1. CBC with ERS
2. If you have not been tested in the last 2 years do: HIV, HBsAg (for HepB), VDRL (for siphiliz).
3. TSH- is a test for thyroid
4. If your hearing is affected also and if you have noises in the ear I would also recommend audiogramme.
5. If you have neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness on one limb or arm, if difficulty swallowing, if visual changes, if headaches, if fainting episodes or problems with balance than I would recommend you to see a neurologist and make sure you have a neurological exam. your doctor might order a head MRI if he finds any abnormalities in neurological examination then.
I hope this is helpful and answers to your question.
Kind regards
Dr Antoneta Zotaj
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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