Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

could this be cancer?

For about a month now I have had this hard knot located behind my ear, its very, very sensitive. Also, I have noticed that I have been getting headaches frequently and its very hard for me to concentrate now. I don't know if that is because of the knot.. I have been researching seeing what this could be and all I have found is cyst or a tumor. So, please tell me what you think this is. I'm very worried, I am fifteen. I am planning to go to the doctor soon.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Question: Have you had any piercings in or around your ear area?

I realized you didn't make a comment regarding it but I also know that many young people have piercings & more are getting them daily. my oldest daughter (26) and I (44) had our side nostril of our nose pierced on the same day. It was a Mother/Daughter thing & it healed well but only after I had a problem with a failed navel piercing that turned out to be an allergic reaction to surgical stainless steel b/c I'm allergic to nickel & even surgical stainless steel (autoclaved as directed despite it being sealed & new) caused a knot to form that needed draining. Since then, I've only had high-end nickel-free gold for my piercings, including earrings in my earlobes.

If it is a piercing or even if it's not - SEE YOUR DOCTOR!

It could be something as simple as a sebaceous cyst that needs to be removed but your doctor needs to be the judge of what to do. If you have had a piercing, make sure you let your doctor know b/c information is power; it's power in helping him/her in treating you for the real problem it might be so the more empowered your doctor is, the better your care will be, and the best way to get to the root of the problem quicly, safely, and before any infection can start or worsen. Best of luck! (FYI: My daughter had a keloid on her tragus piercing but her doc worked with her until it healed & she was able to keep the tragus.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

Hi Easton,
As you are only 15, an adult will need to make a doctor's appointment
for you. Are your parents aware of the lump that feels like a knot behind
your ear?   Go and make the appointment with your family doctor.
It's not necessarily cancer so I wouldn't worry, but you really need to
be seen by a doctor and the sooner the better. I wish you luck.  Eve
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Here are 15 ways to help prevent lung cancer.
New cervical cancer screening guidelines change when and how women should be tested for the disease.
They got it all wrong: Why the PSA test is imperative for saving lives from prostate cancer
Everything you wanted to know about colonoscopy but were afraid to ask
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Get the facts about this disease that affects more than 240,000 men each year.