Suggest Treatment For Painful Lump On The Back Of Head

Posted on Tue, 19 May 2015

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

Tue, 19 May 2015 Answered on

Tue, 9 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i found a lump or "knot" on the back of my head near the base of my skull...it hurts and is painful to touch and is warmer than the areas of my head.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Infected sebaceus cyst.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Lump in this location is most likely a sebaceus cyst. Its a benign lesion. Symptoms you have indicate that this cyst is now infected. Due to pus presence, you get swelling and pain.
As this area is close to the brain, you should not wait with it. Please consult general surgeon. The lump should be incised and drained. Antibiotic may be necessary.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

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