Have A Large, Hard Knot Behind Ear Directly On Mastoid Bone And Fever. Concerned

Posted on Sun, 16 Sep 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 Answered on

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I have a large, hard knot behind my right ear directly on my mastoid bone. I first noticed it 2 weeks ago. The knot is hard and does not move. I'm having *alot* of pressure and pain there, and today i started running a fever. I have hives all over my arms, but the Atarax my doctor put me on seems to help them. It feels as if my head is in a vice grip, constantly. Since this started, my right hand keeps going numb, as well as my upper and bottom lip on the right side. It feels like a very large person is standing on the right side of my head behind my ear. Is this cause for concern? Because I am extremely concerned about it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A large hard painful knot behind your ear could be a swollen lymph node or an infection like abscess or an infected sebaceous gland.
For the confirmation of diagnosis, you need to get this lump examined from a doctor and get a MRI scan for any soft tissue growth and a FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) done.
Till then, you get this lump examined from a doctor, apply warm compresses on the lump because if it is a swollen lymph node or boil then application of warm compresses will help.
You will need systemic antibiotics and anti inflammatory drugs to take care of the infection.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar