Lump on scalp

I noticed a couple weeks ago that I had a small lump underneath my scalp.  You can't even tell it is there unless you feel it, because it looks just like part of the scalp.  It also seems hard, but I prefer not to touch it.  It is on the right side of my head, probably an inch, maybe less from my hairline. I have had no other symptoms until today, with nausea and a headache (but I believe that is me worrying so much I am making myself ill, tension headache probably gonna turn into a migraine if I don't quit worrying) I cannot see my doctor until next week because he is on vacation. I am worried that it could be a brain tumor. I may just be completely paranoid, my mom just died two weeks ago from uterine cancer, and I know eight other people that have died in the past year, and I think it is getting to me.  I am 22.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It is unlikely that you have a brain tumor that you can feel underneath the scalp.  They are typically deeper within the skull.  It is more likely a cyst or infection.  I would certainly have your physician or dermatologist look at it.

If a brain tumor is of concern, the most reasonable initial test would be a CT scan of the head.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[surgeon]

by far the most common thing would be a sebaceous cyst, which is a plugged oil gland; they are very common in the scalp. A brain tumor virtually never is feelable outside the skull; in the incredibly rare situation where they could be, it would be so advanced there would be devastating symptoms, not just headaches. That's not what you have. Sebaceous cyst is likely what it is. Seeing your doctor makes sense, for reassurance.

[6inVA]

I have a lump on my head that has been there for years - no pain or anything associated with it unless I move it too far (you can move it slightly in any direction).  You'd probably only notice it if I shaved my head bald.  Dr once told me what it was (may have been the 'sebaceous' (sp?) lump that was mentioned to you...) My mother had one also that got quiet large, and it has since gone away.  My eldest sister also has one.  She recently had another bump removed, it turned out to be an infected hair follicle.  Don't stress! It's probably nothing to worry about!
Cheryl

[Bad Luck]

I too had a lump on my scalp. And fortunate for me, my family doctor removed it and did not just assume it was a clogged oil gland. He sent it to a lab who quickly requested to send it to John's Hopkins to look at. It came back as Non-oculary Sebaceous Carcinoma. I have since then been going for the last two years to a Cancer Center to keep an eye on me to insure that it does not reacure somewhere else. It is supposed to be a very rare cancer. Be careful and make sure they do a biopsy. I think God that I had a doctor that didn't just assume!
Trish

[Bad Luck]

I too had a lump on my scalp. And fortunate for me, my family doctor removed it and did not just assume it was a clogged oil gland. He sent it to a lab who quickly requested to send it to John's Hopkins to look at. It came back as Non-oculary Sebaceous Carcinoma. I have since then been going for the last two years to a Cancer Center to keep an eye on me to insure that it does not reacure somewhere else. It is supposed to be a very rare cancer. Be careful and make sure they do a biopsy. I think God that I had a doctor that didn't just assume!
Trish

[Carlo1]

         I also have a quarter sized lump on the very top of my head. I have had a problem clearing my throat for the past two weeks and had my MD look at it last Wednesday. She said that it is common for the throat to feel like you need to cough something out after you quit smoking as I recently have. She gave me a Nose spray that she said would relieve the redness and irritation in my throat, THe next day after starting the spray treatment, I started tasting blood when I cough but when I look at my saliva, it's clear. Also for a couple of weeks now I started feeling a burning sensation behind my right eye combined with what seemed to be the beginning of a migrane (migraine) as it was localized to one side of my head , the right side.This symptom, I wrote off as a side effect of the Nicotine Patches that I am using.

        Yesterday, I found the lump on top of my head, It was tender and reminded me of a sist. I put pressure on it and I felt an immediate burning sensation behind my right eye and immediately went into the headache mode. A hour or so later I put pressure on it again and the same thing happened. A few hours later I put pressure on it and went into a cold sweat, headache, burning behind my right eye and I felt disoriented and almost as though I was going to pass out. I had NO energy, not even enough to go and sit in an E.R., so I went home and laid down, today, Sunday, I am still laying down and waiting to see if I can get to the doctor in the Morning. Do any of these symptoms suggest a probable diagnosis?

[2828jh]

A related discussion, I have had a cyst like bump on my head for a long time.  I recently, went to the doctor he referred me to a surgeon to have it removed and tested for cancer.  I also, have a large one now in the crown of my head, What can you tell me about this? was started.

[Br4nd0n_]

A related discussion, Small lumps on the scalp was started.

[dee11111]

A related discussion, swelling was started.

[westernron]

A related discussion, Treatment for lump was started.

[mony84]

My son is 3 years old and I when I was changing him I felt a bump on the top of his hea,it is above his forhead to the middle of the top of the head??? I dont remember feelung it before??? Some times he tells me that his heaf hurts,but he does not complain much of tge pain.. What could it be?? I wonder if its just the way his head is shaped?? Im starting to worry!