Lumps can also be caused by infections, swelling of lymph nodes and certain types of cancer.
A majority of cases of a lump behind an ear are not cause for concern and can be treated without any treatment.
Causes
A variety of skin conditions can lead to lumps behind the ears.
Skin lesions
These are the three most common non-cancerous causes behind the ear.
- Acne
- Skin cysts
- Lipomas
Acne lumps behind the ear
Acne can be a common skin condition and may cause a lump behind your ear.
Sebum can block pores and cause acne. Sebum is an oily substance that is secreted from units located at the base hair follicles.
Sebum can mix with skin cells to form a layer known as a comedone.
If bacteria is introduced to the pimple, it can infect and cause inflammation.
Acne cysts are a result of inflamed pimples that can become larger and more severe.
The lump may be caused by acne. Pimples or cysts behind your ear and on the head, in particular on the face, are likely to be accompanied by other cysts and pimples.
Cystic acne can cause severe scarring. Cystic acne can be managed by doctors with the help of effective treatments.
Cysts behind
Cysts can form anywhere on the skin, even behind the ears.
Skin cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They create a dome-shaped, raised area on the skin. They may have a black spot at the top called a punctum.
They are mobile and can be moved around without being fixed. Any skin lumps that are not easily moved should be examined by a doctor.
Pilar skin cysts are the most common cause of scalp cysts. This type of cysts is composed of hair root cells.
Also, sebaceous cysts may occur. They can form on the glands that produces the oily substance that moisturizes skin and hair.
Another type of cyst is made up of cells that are found on the skin’s surface, called epidermoid cysts. There are also sebaceous cysts which are more common and contain an oily substance.
Lipoma
Another possible reason for lumps behind the ears is Lipoma. Lipomas are benign, fatty lumps. They do not cause cancer, grow slowly and don’t spread.
These are more common in other areas of the body, but they can also occur under the skin, behind the ears and anywhere else.
Lipoma is soft to the touch. They don’t usually feel tender or painful unless you press on nearby nerves.
They are usually found in a small number of locations. Rarely, there may be multiple lipomas.
These lumps can be as small as a pea and up to inches in size.
Although cosmetic surgeons are able to remove unsightly lips, it is not recommended that you receive any treatment. A surgeon can remove a lipoma if necessary.
Lipomas and cysts are both types of lumps. Lipomas are deeper than cysts and feel softer.
Lymph nodes that are larger
The ear is covered by lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are part of the immune system and drain and filter tissue.
The posterior auricular lymphnodes are located behind the ear.
Exposure to foreign material can cause a lymph node to swell. For example, it could be due to a nearby infection. Lymphadenopathy is the formal name.
The swelling of the lymph nodes should disappear on its own. The most common causes for a swelling of the lymph node are skin or ear infections.
Visit a doctor if the lump persists for more than two weeks or if it is present with other symptoms.
Infections
Infected areas are treated with white blood cells that fight invading cells. This can cause fluid buildup and swelling.
Otitis (or ear infection) can lead to this.
The mastoid is the part of the skull bone that lies behind the ear. Mastoiditis is a condition where bacteria can infect the skull.
The bone’s air spaces are where the infection occurs. The mastoid is shaped like a honeycomb. These air cells can be infected by bacteria.
Mastoiditis occurs more frequently in children than it is in adults. Mastoiditis is a serious condition that requires medical attention. It can cause the eardrum to become pushed outward by the swelling.
The lump may also cause other symptoms, such as:
- ear discharge
- possible hearing loss
- High temperature
- Feeling unwell and irritable
- A headache
Mastoiditis usually results from an untreated middle-ear infection.
Mastoiditis can be treated by a doctor with antibiotics. Some cases may be treated by an ENT doctor (ear, nose and throat) to drain the infection.
When should you see a doctor?
It is safer to ask a doctor for a diagnosis than to attempt to diagnose yourself.
If the lump meets these criteria, it is particularly important to see a doctor.
- It can be painful, red, tender or have a discharge.
- It feels fixed or is held in place.
- The lump can change or grow.
- It suddenly appears.
- It is often accompanied by other symptoms.
Although lumps under the skin are less common signs of cancer, it is safer to have a doctor rule them out.
For the best chance of successful treatment, it is crucial to diagnose the lump as a tumor promptly. A soft tissue sarcoma is likely to develop if a lump appears under the skin.
Diagnostics and tests
A doctor will examine the lump’s appearance and texture to determine if it is a medical emergency.
They will ask questions such as how long they have been experiencing symptoms, and when they began. For a complete picture of the patient’s health, they will refer to their medical history.
A lump may need further investigation less often. It may be necessary to take a sample of tissue or perform an imaging test.
