Cyst/Numbness/Ear Aches

[yhs]

Dear Doctor,

Two years ago, I felt a lump forming on the back of my head behind the right ear. It felt soft and painful, typical of what you would describe a swelling. It was about 1-2 cm in diameter, and I assumed it was a lymph node. I went to see an internal medicine doctor, and he told me it was probably a swollen lymph node.

However, although the lump has reduced to just a few millimeters now, it has hardened and has not gone away. I have been experiencing pain in the inner ear (same side as my lump), and I sometimes feel numbness on my face ipsilaterally. I have a general feeling of discomfort from the back side of my head, and sometimes have sharp headaches on the right side of my face. What do you suggest I do, and based on this description do you have any predictions about this condition?

Thank you in advance.

[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.