Lump behind ear

[pretty1108]

I found a lump behind my ear. It is hard and doesnt hurt at all. Its strange in shape and not irratated at all. its been almost a month. I am concerned especially because I am a smoker and its close to my neck.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament. If infection has been ruled out, then other causes like tumors or inflammations need to be considered. It would be worthwhile to see if other lymph groups are enlarged namely, axilla and groin, these can be palpated, the others like those in the chest or abdomen may need a CT to detect their enlargement. Also correlate with blood counts, this could lead to further analysis. Sometimes a fine needle may not show much, but a whole node biopsy may pin point the cause. Discuss these options with your consulting doctor.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[pretty1108]

I saw my PCP and he is saying its a swollen Lymph Node but I am not convinced. I have not been sick or had any infections at all. I am very healthy otherwise. I have a follow up for 3 months from now. Its still not going away and not painful. I havent had any kind of insect bites and its not red or painful like a boil or anything like that. My Dr. said the skin around it moves...not sure what that means...but the actual lump its self doesnt. Im just confused and like I said not convinced of the diagnosis. I have suffered thru cancer in my uterus prior to all of this around 4 years ago and so it just scares me to death. Should I go see a specialist on my own??? I feel waiting for 3  months is a long time and if it is something other than a swollen lymph node those 3 months could be crutial in any kind of treatment needed...again I suffered thru cancer in the past and was lucky enough to be the pushy patient and was able to get treatment right away. Had I not been pushy and knowing my body it all could have turned out much worse than it did.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The swelling could be a lymph node or due to mastoid bone infection. It could also be a sebaceous cyst, a boil or an insect bite. Lymph node enlargement is usually due to infections like bacterial and viral. It is unlikely to be related to smoking. So, consult your primary care physician for proper clinical assessment. In the meantime if there is pain for relief you can use OTC Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.