Hi, thanks for sharing your health concerns with HCM! Well, If I were your treating Doctor for this case of post-auricular lump, I would come up with four possibilities, these include: 1. taut muscle as you feel; not to worry at all! But might harbour some swelling deep inside it like some parasitic cyst 2. lymph nodes due to some chronic disorder like tuberculosis, lymphoma or chronic throat / neck infection ! 3. The second possibility is of benign and simple conditions like lipoma or neurofibroma; there is nothing to worry about these! 4. The last possibility is of sebaceous cyst or some other cysts like branchial cyst or lymphatic cysts! Nothing to worry about these also! I suggest you to go for an FNAC and X-ray/ultrasound of the lumps for confirmation and to relieve your concerns! Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing you good health.