Growth behind ear. Cyst? Tumor? Lymphoma? Help, please.

[soundofconfusion]

A friend without internet access or means to see a doctor just stopped by my house with this growth behind his ear.  The picture is slightly grainy, as it was taken by my phone, but the growth definitely has a "head" in the center that is pale yellow.  He says it does not cause pain or headaches, but IS sensitive to the touch.  I know that he will NOT see a doctor without being told that it deserves immediate attention, and that he does not have access to medical professionals of any sort.  Is he okay?  What advice can you offer?  Thank you!

[ENTMD]

No, he'll probably be OK.  Again, if it's a cyst, it's just a matter of time before it fills up again.  If it was just a little abscess (I figured that it should look a little angrier if it was, and it kind of didn't in the picture), that might be the end of it.

[soundofconfusion]

I just called to relay your response, and he informed me that last night he messed with it, and pus, then blood drained out.  Does that mean anything to you, or is he going to be okay?  He seems to be done worrying about it. :(

[ENTMD]

This should be seen by an ENT doc.  Likely, it is just a dermoid cyst or something benign like that and can very easily be handled in the office.  Left alone, these can get infected and be rather painful (and make excision a little more challenging).  Rarer and scarier things are possible, however.