OMG!! What is this HUGE bump behind the middle of my ear?

[CaraDouglas]

I have a HUGE bump behind my ear I think it's too far up to be a lymph node. I think it might be filled with liquid but it feels hard. What is this!!!?

[AshleyLynn]

Personally, I don't think it's a lymph node.

Here's a pretty good diagram of where your lymph nodes are located and what they would be like:

http://www.health.com/health/library/mdp/0,,tp10369,00.html

When the doctor feels under your neck, your armpits, your groin, etc. that is when he is checking for swollen lymph nodes, and you have to push on the skin to feel them beneath the skin. If you do have a sinus infection and swollen adenoids, it is very possible that your lymph nodes could be swollen though as your body is trying to fight the infection, so this isn't something to be alarmed about. Did your doctor put you on antibiotics for the sinus infection?

Hope you feel better soon!

Ashley

[CaraDouglas]

Hey Ashley,

Thanks! Its been getting softer and feels like it's sort of deflating a bit. Now I have this hardened bump above it more toward my hairline. I'm assuming it's a lymph node maybe from the boil infection???? What's going on with me? My MRI said I had a mild inflamation of the adnoids and i guess a mild sinus infection. Is this rock hard bone like bump above the boil a lymph?

[AshleyLynn]

It's not a lymph node!!!!!

It looks like a boil. Here's another pic that looks very similar to yours...just a little further advanced...

http://www.medicinenet.com/boils/article.htm

A boil, also referred to as a skin abscess, is a localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with infection-fighting white blood cells that the body sends from the bloodstream to eradicate the infection. This collection of white blood cells, bacteria, and proteins is known as pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin.

Most simple boils can be treated at home. Ideally, the treatment should begin as soon as a boil is noticed since early treatment may prevent later complications.

The primary treatment for most boils is heat application, usually with hot soaks or hot packs. Heat application increases the circulation to the area and allows the body to better fight off the infection by bringing antibodies and white blood cells to the site of infection.

Best of luck!
Ashley

[HelloK19]

I'm not sure, but it looks like a lymph node to me.

[CaraDouglas]

?