Noticed a Lump Behind Ear? Here’s What It Means

Even if it is something as small as a lump behind ear, it is enough to be a cause of curiosity and concern. Moreover, as you are unable to see clearly, its mere presence is enough to make you worry and the implications it will have on your overall physical and mental health. And, we do understand that as far as your health is concerned, even trivial things shouldn’t be ignored. This is why we will be delving deeper into this topic, revealing all the causes, symptoms and treatment options for a lump behind ear.

Lump Behind Ear: Causes and Remedies 

When you first discover a lump, it might be concerning but it is important to note that some lumps might be benign, while some may actually pose a serious concern. They may also vary in size, ranging from small to medium to large sized, and can be hard or soft as well. The causes of lumps also vary widely, including swollen lymph nodes, skin conditions, infections, cysts, and even cancer. So, let’s discuss the causes of the lump behind the ear in detail.

1. Acne

This is one of the most common causes which might give you a feeler of a lump behind the ear. Though it more commonly affects the face, it can also develop behind the ear. Acne, which is mostly due to hormonal changes, develops when your skin is blocked by bacteria, sweat, or an oily substance called sebum. This substance combines with dead skin cells, thereby forming a layer, which is known as comedone. 

At times, pimples too can create lumps and form into what is known as acne cysts. Pressing on these acne may cause pain and discomfort. Make sure not to touch, press, or scratch these acne as it can increase the chances of infection and inflammation. 

Remedy

You can try home remedies for this lump behind ear, which includes switching shampoos, using acne creams, and relevant face washes as well as keeping the neck and ear areas clean. In case of severe acne, your doctor may suggest topical medicines, oral antibiotics, chemical peels, and hormonal or photodynamic therapy.

2. Infection

 Infection is another common reason for development of a lump behind the ear. Many viral and bacterial infections may also result in sore lumps behind the ear, including chicken pox, measles, and AIDS. 

Remedy

Infections, which are not severe, can be treated using antibiotics, and in case of critical ones, your doctor may advise appropriate treatment based on the actual cause.

3. Mastoiditis 

This is yet another cause for development of a lump behind your ear. Mastoiditis, which is the lump on bone behind the ear, might also result in development of pus-filled cysts if not treated on time. Some of the common symptoms of mastoiditis include high temperature, ear discharge, headache, redness around the ear, trouble hearing and feeling irritable. 

Remedy

This condition can be treated with antibiotics but if it becomes severe, it may require surgery as well in order to get rid of the infection. 

4. Cysts

A cyst, be it sebaceous or epidermoid, can develop anywhere in the body, including behind the ear. Made of oils and dead skin cells, cysts are soft to touch and usually disappear on their own. These non-cancerous lumps beneath the skin cause little or no pain at all, unless infected. The cysts may appear and disappear, and may also grow in size. 

Remedy

Home remedies for lumps behind ear include hot compresses, OTC pain medicines, tea tree oil, applying aloe vera and witch hazel. However, before going for home remedies, make sure that you never pop or break a cyst. And, do consult your doctor if this lump is red, itchy or inflamed, or causes pain and is increasing in size. This might be a sign of a critical underlying cause and might require removal or more tests in order to determine the reason behind the same.

5. Abscess

This condition develops when there is an infection in the body’s tissue or cells. It is your body’s mechanism of responding to the infection by sending white blood cells (WBCs) to the affected area. These WBCs gather in the infected location, which results in development of pus, which may take the form of a lump behind the ear. 

Remedy

Your healthcare provider may recommend antibiotics or antifungal medicines depending on the cause and severity of infection. You may also be given pain medication for offering some relief. When you are receiving treatment for this condition, avoid wearing headphones, using earplugs, or going swimming.

6. Otitis Media

Another term for ear infection, otitis media can be caused due to bacteria or virus. Due to this infection, there can be pain, swelling, and fluid buildup. This swelling can feel like a lump behind the ear. 

Remedy

Your doctor may recommend antibiotics and painkillers to alleviate the infection and pain.

7. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes, which act as a filter for your defense mechanism, are present in various parts of your body, including the ear’s rear portion. Also called as posterior auricular lymph nodes, these nodes can swell and become inflamed in case you have a strep throat, infectious mononucleosis, gum disease or ear infection. They can also swell from time to time due to other reasons too, which include skin issues, cancer, infection or dental problems. 

Remedy

Treatment for the same depends on the exact cause of these swollen lymph nodes.

8. Lipoma 

Another possible cause of lump behind the ear is lipoma. These fatty benign lumps can develop wherever the fat cells are present. They are soft to touch and usually don’t cause any pain until nearby nerves are being pressed upon. Lipomas are usually not detectable, unless they grow in size and then, you might be able to feel them. 

Remedy

These can be removed using surgery, but as they are harmless, no treatment is required per se.

When to Consult a Doctor?

When you discover a lump behind ear, make sure to note if it is red-coloured, itchy, growing, hard or painful to touch. And, whatever the cause be, it is important to consult with your doctor for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. In order to diagnose the cause of the lump, your healthcare provider will see the texture and its appearance, in addition to taking your medical history into account. On the basis of these factors, either you will be prescribed medications or further tests to detect the exact cause.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that a soft/hard and/or painless/painful lump behind the ear may be caused by various factors, some of which are not much harmful while some may pose a serious concern. If the lump is painful, has discharge, is irregular in shape and size, and is accompanied with other signs including fever, hearing loss etc., it is best to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination or series of tests to be sure of the underlying condition. 

The main takeaway is that whether the cause is something critical, like cancer or an infection, or just benign acne, early treatment tends to augment the chances of a positive outcome.