What Causes A Small Hard Lump Behind Left Ear On The Mastoid Process?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jun 2016

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

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 Answered on

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a small hard lump on behind my left ear on the mastoid process, it would be roughly behind the middle of my ear. For the past 2 weeks I have had bad sinus pain and pressure behind my eyes. I also have been having mild light heads

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on the description you gave, it appears to be due to sinusitis. The mastoid swelling can be a node or the mastoid itself. Antibiotics, antihistamines and decongestants would be required for treatment. An ENT specialist should be consulted to rule out the possibility of mastoiditis or associated otitis media/ unsafe ear. For the time being you can take ibuprofen or Tylenol for symptomatic relief along with steam inhalation.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (6 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. The lump itself is hard immobile and feels like a bone sticking out. Is this a cause for concern?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

It indicates possible mastoiditis. CT scan of the temporal bone should be advised in consult with an ENT specialist for evaluating mastoiditis.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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