Hard lump on occipital and headaches.

[moggymew]

My 19yr old nephew has a golf sized, hard lump at the bottom of his right occipital bone. He only mentioned this recently and added that he has had it for a few months. I have noticed that he gets very tired and moody if he hasn't eaten and quite often complains of headaches. He used to complain about sore legs as a child and he has been stating more often lately that he has sore legs. I'm worried sick about him. He is normally a delightful boy and is at college, hoping to go to uni next year and is not the type to complain.

[moggymew]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I'm sorry to be a pest but I should have added that the lump doesn't move, is not sore to the touch and is at the right of the cervical spine and bottom edge of occipital. Could that still be as a result of the above answers? He had an Xray this morning and the results go to the doctor in two weeks. At least I got him to agree to that.

[Dr Sharma]

Hello dear and welcome to the medhelp forum. the hard lump on the bottom of occipital could be due to swollen lymph nodes behind the ear and head due to different infections like scalp infection, allergies and cough / cold. Check for anemia, endocrinopathies, electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration, micronutrient deficiencies etc could cause dizziness, headaches, and achy legs. Consult a physician for detailed examination and relevant intervention. MRI brain should also be done to check for any tumors in the brain. Wishing him all the best. Take care.