Dime size Bump Behind Ear

Good morning,

I have had a dime size lump behind my ear for as long as I can remember now and just recently I realized that it is now very hard and tender to the touch.  It had never really been hard before, it was always soft and felt something like a blood bubble would feel like.  I have no health insurance so I am hoping that I can receive answers to help me decide if I should just try to come up with the money to see a doctor or if this is common.

The lump is like a said dime size or bigger, its very hard and is directly behind my ear.  It is not visible in the skin, but you can see the bumb popping out from under the skin.  I do not remmeber hitting my head anytime to make it bigger, or more sore.

Please advise.

Thank you,

Joshua

[nurse_lady]

There is a lymph node that is located behind the ear.  It might be worth going to the doctor for, because swollen lymph nodes are usually a good indicator of inflammation and or infection.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

A lump behind the ear could be due to throat infection, insect bite, accidental trauma to the site, ear infection , etc.

Lymph nodes in the region are known as post auricular lymph nodes and can enlarge secondary to infection, inflammation, etc.

You could try some warm compresses at the site, warm saline gargles for his sore throat and some oral antihistamine medications for the swelling.

This could be mastoiditis, cervical lymphadenopathy or parotitis.

Have you seen an ENT specialist or your doctor for your symptoms? Do you have any associated symptoms of pain, discharge, fever, etc?

'Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid process, the portion of the temporal bone of the skull that is behind the ear. It is usually caused by untreated acute otitis media (middle ear infection) .'

You could read more about the condition at the following links -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastoidectomy

and

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic306.htm

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Post us about what your doctor advises.

Regards.