Head Bumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help - Surgery

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Hello, thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the bump on your head and your fluctuating body temperature. It's important to address these symptoms carefully, as they can indicate a variety of underlying conditions.

1. Understanding the Bump: The bump you described on the left upper part of your head could be due to several reasons. Common causes include:
- Sebaceous Cyst: These are non-cancerous lumps filled with a protein called keratin. They can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp, and may become tender if inflamed.

- Lipoma: A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fat tissue. They are usually soft, movable, and painless, but can sometimes cause discomfort if they press on nearby structures.

- Trauma: If you have recently bumped your head, even if you didn't notice it at the time, a localized swelling could be a hematoma (a collection of blood outside of blood vessels).

- Infection: Conditions like folliculitis (infection of hair follicles) or other skin infections can cause localized swelling and tenderness.

- Bone Growths: In rare cases, bony growths (exostoses) can develop on the skull.

2. Symptoms and Body Temperature: Your body temperature ranging from 37°C to 37.6°C (98.6°F to 99.7°F) is slightly elevated but can be considered within the normal range for some individuals, especially if you are experiencing mild inflammation or infection. A persistent low-grade fever can indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory process, which may need further investigation.

3. When to Seek Help: It’s advisable to seek medical attention if:
- The bump increases in size or becomes increasingly painful.

- You develop additional symptoms such as fever (especially if it rises above 38°C or 100.4°F), chills, or other systemic symptoms like fatigue or malaise.

- You notice changes in your neurological status, such as headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, or any other unusual symptoms.

- The bump does not resolve or improve over a few weeks.

4. Potential Diagnostic Steps: If you visit a healthcare provider, they may perform a physical examination and could recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to better understand the nature of the bump. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for signs of infection or inflammation.

5. Self-Care and Monitoring: In the meantime, monitor the bump for any changes and keep track of your temperature. Avoid manipulating or squeezing the bump, as this could lead to further irritation or infection. If you have any pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.

In summary, while the bump and slight fever may not indicate a serious issue, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent potential complications and provide peace of mind. Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope you find this information helpful.