Cyst on Right Ear

[Ruth717]

I went to an ENT yesterday to have a sizeable cyst behind my right ear removed... This ENT sits in the room with me for literally no more than 3 minutes without looking at the cyst... Just feeling behind my ear. Then he tells me that he doesn't want to remove it until it gets either larger or it gets infected... Is this normal protocol? He had to fit me in between patients because one of his incompetent nurses gave me the wrong address and i missed my initial appointment... Was I rushed and should I see a dermatologist? I also have a sore, enlarged lymph node on the right side of my neck. He had me turn my head to the right so it was sunken in and then felt it and said it was not enlarged... I know it's enlarged. When my neck is upright, it sticks out and is sore. Second opinion needed?

[Ruth717]

Thank you so much! I'm not too concerned about the cyst really... It's more the lymph node that I was concerned about. This ENT was a 20 yr military veteran so I am sure that's where the treatment came from... I am active duty military and well familiarized with doctors of that nature. Not much for their caring profession... thanks again! I am going to see a dermatologist next week.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You definitely need a dermatologist’s and ENT specialist’s evaluation. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).I sincerely suggest you to get it examined and FNAC done to confirm the cause.

Regarding the cyst behind the ear ,so it can be a sebaceous cyst or an epidermoid cyst which needs to be excised whne infected/painful or when cosmetically causing problems.
I hope that helps.Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.