What Causes A Small Knot Behind The Left Ear?

Posted on Mon, 15 Aug 2016

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

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 Answered on

Sat, 3 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a small knot back side of left ear -- approx. size bb

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
sebaceous cyst

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are concerned about finding a small BB size lump behind your ear. This could be a small sebaceous cyst. They are found frequently behind the ear and are completely benign. They are usually small non growing but can be come infected and then become red swollen and painful. It could also be a lymph node which again is completely benign but the size is too large for a lymph node. If the knot is painful it maybe infection and I would recommend that you see your medical provider for possible excision and antibiotics.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional qusetions

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

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (55 minutes later)

Got it...Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Your welcome

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome and best wishes

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

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (2 hours later)

my wife took an iPhone shot and it looks like a mole....how to email the shot to you?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
upload picture

Detailed Answer:
There should be a link to upload a picture. If you have any problem please call technical services

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

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (6 hours later)

Dr. Schubert, see attached picture. Recommendations?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
seborreic keratosis

Detailed Answer:
Yes I did get the image. What you have there is a seborreic keratosis. This is essentially an dark pigmentation that occurs as we all get older. It is completely benign and does not require any treatment.

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

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (27 minutes later)

Dr. Schubert, Great to hear...Thanks much...this is a great service !

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your welcome

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome and best wishes

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