scared to death

i am a 33 yr old female with no medical insurance and i have had a round lump on the left side of my head for a while now  it doesnt hurt or give me any problems only it seems like its getting bigger and more noticable by other people i have long hair that covers it but when i wear it pulled back its a visible lump anybody have any idea of what it could be?

[fungi1]

woh,i hope you can live like that.get better

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

This kind of bump can be a swollen lymph node,a sebaceous cyst or a lipoma.Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection along with other numerous causes.Treatment is usually cold compresses,over the counter anti-inflammatory analgesics(pain killers) like acetaminophen or ibuprofen,antibiotics if cause of infection is suspected to be a bacteria and surgical drainage if there is any abscess formation.

Sebaceous cyst is a closed sac or cyst below the surface of the skin that fills with a fatty white, semi-solid material called sebum produced by sebaceous glands of the epidermis.It is usually painless but can become painful if infected.Then antibiotics are needed.

Lipoma is a benign fatty tumor.

I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and get yourself evaluated for these possibilities as treatment for all are different and unfortunately I cannot confirm a diagnosis without examination.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.