Suggest Treatment For Fluid Filled Lump Behind The Ear

Posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015

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

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a lump behind my ear and fluid that will escape from all over by body? It is in my scalp. I want to know can a sinus infection come through the skin if sinusses are blocked? I have had this problem for many years. I have seen many Doctors and have had many diagnosis from lack of pigment spots on my skin to foliculitis I'm also sensitive to three antibiotics. When I lift the hair at the back of my neck it releses fluid and the pressure starts to go away until the fluid builds up again. Desparate for help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly post the images of the swelling...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query, I'll try my best to help you with this.

1. First of all, I would request you to kindly post few images showing the swelling. This will be useful in answering all your queries.

2. It's very unlikely that the sinus infection can extend beyond the skin.

Awaiting for the reply

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (17 hours later)

I don't have pictures of the swelling or engorgement behind my ear. I have to much hair you can't see it. I can feel it. When I put pressure or squeeze my ear I feel something drain what ever is in/ near my ears and sinuses. if I am leaning over it will drain out of my nose. Clear fluid no odor. I then feel the pressure in my ear is releived and my hearing is better. This fluid builds up in my eyes or behind the eyes. I also have it in my back/shoulder area. I get a pressure headache.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Post-aural fistula or sinus...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

1. The para nasal sinuses and ears are not inter-related.

2. According to the description given by you, I do presume, you could be having either a post-aural sinus or fistula with one end of the tract opening into the scalp and the other end into the middle ear cavity.

3. It is not possible for the sinus track to get into the eyes or the scapular region as both of these structures are far away from the ear.

4. If the diagnosis has to be confirmed and track to be identified, then a radio-opaque XXXXXXX has to be injected into the opening of the sinus track and serial x-rays taken.

My suggestion to you is to consult an apt ENT specialist for a complete evaluation and further management.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E