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What Causes Swelling Under Right Ear?

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Posted on Tue, 27 May 2014
Question: Hi, I have just noticed a bump under my right ear, it feels like bone but a bump. Its not painful just noticed it while having shower. Please advise?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
could be a dermoid cyst or a paroid swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing to HCM.

There are various possibilities for that swelling like it could be a dermoid cyst, a sebaceous cyst, a lymph node or a parotid adenoma.

These all can present as a hard painless swelling below the ear. So i would suggest that you show it once to a physician for a physical examination to help come to a diagnosis, as further management will depend upon that only.

Hope i have been helpful.

Regards
Dr. Ashish Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)
Please see attached picture. Would u like to further advise? Please
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
looks like a dermoid cyst

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This is situated behind the ear, now below it.

It looks like a dermoid cyst. But still it needs a clinical evaluation.

I would suggest that you show it to a general surgeon for the same and he can even remove it, if you want, under local anesthesia on opd basis.

Regards
Dr. Ashish Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (6 hours later)
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your advice.

I will be going to my local GP this afternoon and will let you know their feedback as well.

Regards
XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
sure

Detailed Answer:
HI,

Sure, i will be waiting to know the findings.

Regards
Dr. Ashish Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)
Dear Dr XXXXXXX
On another matter, I have these white little cysts/lumps appear normally on my head, face and arms, they go away after 2-3 days. I have started to get them quite regularly.
Can you please advise, what these are and any remedy for this?
I have just been to my GP, she advised that its a bone which is sticking out and she can't feel it to be a lump !! Does it mean that I have got something underneath my both sticking it out? which is even more of concern? She has given me anti-biotic for now.
Please advise??
Thanks
XXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
it can be your mastoid then

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

If your GP says there is no swelling and its part of the bone, and its on both sides, then it can be your mastoid bone, which might be prominent in some people. Its normal anatomical variation, and absolutely nothing to worry about.

And regarding your other query about recurring swellings that comes and goes, those can be boils or furuncle. Complete the antibiotics course prescribed by your GP. And preferably use an antiseptic soap for bath. Its due to skin infection. You may also get your sugar levels checked as its also seen in diabetics.

Regards
Dr. Ashish Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)
Hi XXXXXXX
Its not on both sides and its not part of bone either. Its behind right ear around the middle area of the back of the ear. GP said that its a swelling underneath the bone which has pushed the bone out. Can you re-advise according to this?
Thanks
XXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
sorry for the confusion

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Swellings in that region usually dont push the bone out.

If its just on one side then its most likely to be a dermoid cyst or a lymph node. You show that swelling to a general surgeon next time whenever you are free, not an emergency.

I am not saying anything against your GP. But its just that surgeons are more well versed with swellings.

Or you can wait till the completion of your antibiotics course. As if its a lymph node it should reduce or disappear with that. If it remains as it is or increases in size, its more likely to be a dermoid cyst.

Regards
Dr. Ashish Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (19 minutes later)
Dr XXXXXXX
Many thanks for your continued support and understanding. I am obviously very concerned with it. Should I be worried about it ??
Thanks
XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
not at all

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

If it is a lymph node it should go with the antibiotics you are taking.

If its dermoid cyst, its quite harmless. Can be easily removed on opd basis under local anesthesia.

So take you time, but do show it once, any convenient time, if its not reduced after the antibiotics, just to confirm the diagnosis.

Regards
Dr. Ashish Verma


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ashish Verma (25 hours later)
Dr XXXXXXX
I have uploaded another picture of the lump, can you please see it and advise if you see anything different.
Thanks
XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
its same

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Though this new picture shows the lump more prominently, still i cant say for sure what exactly it is without touching and feeling it.

My conclusion and advice remains the same.

Regards
Dr. Ashish Verma
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. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ashish Verma

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1290 Questions

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What Causes Swelling Under Right Ear?

Brief Answer: could be a dermoid cyst or a paroid swelling Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to HCM. There are various possibilities for that swelling like it could be a dermoid cyst, a sebaceous cyst, a lymph node or a parotid adenoma. These all can present as a hard painless swelling below the ear. So i would suggest that you show it once to a physician for a physical examination to help come to a diagnosis, as further management will depend upon that only. Hope i have been helpful. Regards Dr. Ashish Verma