Lump Behind My Ear: What Do I Need to Know?

There are many reasons a lump can occur behind the ear, but it’s rarely anything serious or untreatable.

According to the American Cancer Society, 5.4. million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, though it’s quite uncommon that tumors causing these cancers would grow behind the ear.

Lumps behind the ear are easily self-diagnosed and often disappear on their own within a week or two.

In this article, we'll go into detail about lumps behind the ear, covering everything including the causes, available treatment options, and other symptoms that may appear alongside your ear lump.

How Do I Identify a Lump Behind the Ear?

A lump behind the ear may feel fleshy or hard. An ear lump could be an indication of infection, and it typically resolves once the infection has cleared.

An easy self-check can help you to determine whether an ear lump requires medical attention.

How to Conduct a Self-Check

A soft, fleshy lump behind the ear that causes no discomfort or itchiness will likely disappear on its own.

However, if any of the following symptoms are present when you examine the ear lump, consult a healthcare provider.

Pay attention if:

• The lump is changing in size or shape (is it growing?).
• The lump is hard and immovable.
• The lump is tender, or it hurts when you touch it.
• The lump seems red, itchy, or inflamed.
• The lump is leaking a foul-smelling discharge.

What Causes Lumps Behind the Ear?

There are several reasons why you may feel a lump behind your ear. It’s important not to panic, as malignant lumps behind the ear are extremely rare.

We’ve outlined the most common causes of ear lumps below.

Most Common Causes of Lumps Behind the Ear

Acne

Acne is a combination of oil buildup, bacteria, and dead skin cells. It can occur almost anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles and sebum (oil). So it’s quite possible for a pimple to appear behind your ear.

Acne behind the ear typically disappears on its own, but regular exfoliation can prevent the buildup of dead skin cells that clog pores and result in breakouts.

Lipomas

Not to be confused with lymphomas, lipomas are benign fatty lumps beneath the skin. These are harmless growths that don’t require surgical removal unless they cause discomfort.

Sebaceous cysts

These are sebum-filled lumps beneath the skin that are soft to the touch, easily movable, and don’t typically cause pain. Though both contain sebum, sebaceous cysts differ from acne in that they don’t “ripen” or form a whitehead.

A sebaceous cyst can develop quickly or grow over the space of a few months or years. If they become red, swollen, or tender, a doctor will be able to surgically remove them.

Swollen lymph nodes

Also called lymph glands, lymph nodes are found throughout the body and swell in response to infection or inflammation.

Autoimmune diseases, drugs, and cancer can also cause swollen lymph nodes. However, a swollen lymph node seldom indicates a malignant growth.

Swollen lymph nodes should subside within a few days to a month. If your other symptoms include fever and weight loss, consult your doctor.

Infections

A virus, bacteria, or fungus could be causing an infection near the lump — which, in this case, would probably be a swollen lymph node.

Once you treat the infection, the lump (which is a symptom of the infection), will disappear, too.

Some common infections that may cause a lump behind the ear include throat infections and ear infections.

Abscesses

An abscess is a tender mass of pus that may be warm to the touch. These can show up anywhere on the body, including behind your ear.

If an abscess is small enough, it may disappear on its own in a few days. However, large abscesses — especially those that are painful and keep growing — will require medical attention.

Drainage or excision are common treatments; if drained, though, there’s a risk the abscess may return.

What Are the Serious Causes of Lumps Behind My Ear?

Mastoiditis

This bacterial infection is typically caused by a middle ear infection that has spread to the mastoid bone just behind the ear. Children are most commonly affected.

Besides the ear lump, other symptoms of mastoiditis include:

• Headaches
• Loss of hearing
• Pain of discomfort in the ear
• Discharge leaking from the ear
• Fever
• Reddened ears or redness behind the ear
• A feeling of your ear being filled with fluid

Mastoiditis is a curable condition but it may require long-term treatment, and there’s no guarantee that the infection won’t return.

Contact a medical professional if your ear infection does not respond to medication and you start to experience new symptoms. Any facial asymmetry (if one side of the face looks different than the other) is also cause for concern.

Tumors

Though rare, basal or squamous cell carcinomas can appear behind your ear.

A basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and often looks a lot like a mole or pimple, but a healthcare provider will be able to diagnose it for you.

A squamous cell carcinoma may look like an open sore with raised edges or it could resemble a wart.

Both of these tumors can be surgically removed.

What Other Symptoms Can Appear?

Depending on what’s causing the lump behind your ear, you could experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Throat pain
• Earache
• Dizziness
• Neck stiffness
• Swelling or redness around the lump
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Ear discharge
• Hearing loss
• Irritability
• Lack of energy

If your symptoms increase or don’t respond to medication, contact your doctor to discuss your concerns and amend your treatment plan.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Your treatment options will depend on the cause of the lump behind your ear. After you’ve consulted your doctor, they will get you on a treatment plan, which may include one or more of the following:

• Antibiotic treatment: This will be prescribed for bacterial infections.
• Over-the-counter medication: Such as pain relievers, like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
• Drainage: If you have an ear infection or a sebaceous cyst, drainage may be the best course of action.
• Surgery: Lipomas (harmless, fatty lumps), cysts, and tumors may require surgical removal.
• Prescription medication: Your doctor may prescribe other treatments you require, such as antiviral medication or painkillers.

When Should I See a Doctor for a Lump Behind the Ear?

If the lump behind your ear is causing you discomfort or pain — or it’s changing shape or growing — it’s important to seek medical attention. This way, you can get the proper diagnosis and the treatment you require.

A lump behind your ear should last no longer than two weeks. If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms we’ve outlined in the self-check, get in touch with your doctor to discuss the next steps.

How Can I Learn More About Lumps Behind the Ear?

Is there a painful lump behind your ear that refuses to go away? Are you worried that it may be an infection or a sign of an underlying condition? Head over to LifeMD and make a telehealth appointment with a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner.