Is Having Lump Behind Left Ear A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015

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

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I've had a small maybe half a centimetre lump behind my left ear (postauricular) for almost 2 years now and hasn't changed in size. It's hard and immobile. I've had 3 different doctors look at it and all have said to not worry unless it gets bigger. I've had an ultrasound done which stated it was a lymphnode likely to be reactive in future not felt to be significant. I just want to know if I should be worried? I don't have any fevers nor weight loss nor night sweats. I'm scared if it's lymphoma.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
do not be afraid

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Many people have these reactive lymph nodes that do not go down. I agree with your doctor that this is benign and not a sign of impending lymphoma. People with lymphoma have enlarged nodes in many parts of the body, lose weight and are quite ill. Just let your doctor know if it enlarges but it sounds very benign and not at all like lymphoma.
Let me know if you have further questions
Dr. Robinson

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