Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Advice

A swollen lump behind the ear (cervical lymph node)?

Hello Dr.
Chen, it's me, Xiao Ke again.
I remember the last time I consulted you was also about lymph nodes (there's a lump in my left neck that I've been worried about for a long time; I scared myself to death, but after more than a year, it hasn't changed much, so I let it go).
This time, here's the situation: Last week, I had some cold symptoms (sneezing similar to allergies, a bit of a dry and sore throat), and I noticed three pimples on the upper left side of my scalp.
About five days ago, I felt a lump behind my right ear (at the junction of the ear and the bone), which is about 1 cm in size and feels somewhat hard.
There is also a small lump in the corresponding position on the left ear, but it's just a tiny one.
I would like to ask you the following questions:
1.
Is this a lymph node? Is it related to my previous cold symptoms or the pimples on my scalp?
2.
Initially, it was not painful or itchy, but in the last two days, I don't know if it's because I've been pressing on it, but it feels a bit warm and sore.
Is this normal? Can I keep pressing on it?
3.
Should I see a doctor or pay attention to anything in particular? Thank you, and thanks again...

Hao ba, wo shi Xiao Ke., 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/08/04

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

1.
Is this a lymph node? Is it related to my previous cold or scalp acne? It should be a lymph node, related to the cold; it may be due to your constitution, as colds can easily cause lymphadenopathy, and it is unrelated to acne.
2.
At first, it was not painful or itchy, but these past two days, I don't know if it's because I've been pressing on it, but it feels a bit warm and sore.
Is this normal? Can I keep pressing on it? It should be fine, but try not to press on it constantly; check it every few days, and over time, it should resolve.
3.
Should I see a doctor or pay attention to anything? If it remains the same as before, you can wait; see a doctor if there are any changes in symptoms.
Thank you for your message.
Dr.
Chen Si-Rong, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2014/08/04

More Info

Hello 小可,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the lump behind your ear. It's understandable to feel anxious about any new symptoms, especially when they involve areas like the lymph nodes. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Is this a lymph node? Is it related to my previous cold or scalp acne?
The lump you are feeling behind your ear is likely a lymph node. Lymph nodes can become enlarged due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or even acne in the surrounding areas. Given that you mentioned experiencing cold-like symptoms and having acne on your scalp, it is plausible that these could be contributing factors. Lymph nodes often react to infections by swelling as they work to filter out pathogens and produce immune cells.
2. I feel some warmth and soreness after touching it; is this normal? Can I keep pressing on it?
It is not uncommon for swollen lymph nodes to feel warm or tender, especially if they are reacting to an infection. However, excessive manipulation or pressing on the lump can lead to further irritation or inflammation. It’s best to avoid poking or pressing on it too much. If the warmth and soreness persist or worsen, it could indicate an ongoing infection or another issue that may require medical attention.

3. Should I see a doctor or what should I watch for?
It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if the lump does not decrease in size over the next couple of weeks, if it becomes increasingly painful, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. These could be signs of a more serious condition that needs to be evaluated. Additionally, if the lump persists beyond a few weeks without improvement, it’s wise to seek medical advice for further evaluation.
In summary, while it’s likely that the lump is a reactive lymph node due to your recent cold or scalp issues, monitoring its size and any accompanying symptoms is crucial. If you notice any concerning changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for a thorough examination.
Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!

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