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What Causes Painless Swollen Lump Behind My Ear?
Question: I have a swollen lump behind my ear that has been there for 2 or more weeks now. It was especially swollen the first day and several times since, but for the remainder of the time it has been a persistent less swollen bump that is not painful but just there. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Also about half a year ago or so, I noticed myself getting an almost ear-ache feeling in this same ear, when I would be on the phone for longer periods of time. Since then I have stopped putting the phone to my head so long, and have started using speaker phone which has seemed to help that head/ear-ache go away. Would these things have anything to do with each other? Is the lump behind my ear something I should be concerned about or is it just a lymph node?
Also about half a year ago or so, I noticed myself getting an almost ear-ache feeling in this same ear, when I would be on the phone for longer periods of time. Since then I have stopped putting the phone to my head so long, and have started using speaker phone which has seemed to help that head/ear-ache go away. Would these things have anything to do with each other? Is the lump behind my ear something I should be concerned about or is it just a lymph node?
Brief Answer:
Suspect lymph node.Prefer ENT examination
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query.
Commonest swelling behind the ear is a lymph node and this is due to infection (called as reactive lymphadenitis).It can present both with and without pain and disappears with resolution of infection.
Head ache/ear ache are seen when you put yourself over the phone for prolonged duration.This does not have any direct correlation with the swelling.Prolonged conversation can exacerbate the existing ear problems (like infection) if any.I am glad that you have take a precautionary measure proactively.
I were to do a through ENT examination with examination of the swelling and manage accordingly.
Hope this answers your query.
Suspect lymph node.Prefer ENT examination
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query.
Commonest swelling behind the ear is a lymph node and this is due to infection (called as reactive lymphadenitis).It can present both with and without pain and disappears with resolution of infection.
Head ache/ear ache are seen when you put yourself over the phone for prolonged duration.This does not have any direct correlation with the swelling.Prolonged conversation can exacerbate the existing ear problems (like infection) if any.I am glad that you have take a precautionary measure proactively.
I were to do a through ENT examination with examination of the swelling and manage accordingly.
Hope this answers your query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
how long would an infection like this usually last?
Brief Answer:
Depends on the type of infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.
Acute infection lasts for few days to 1-2 weeks and if untreated/undetected turns chronic infection and lasts for few weeks.
Hope this helps.
Depends on the type of infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.
Acute infection lasts for few days to 1-2 weeks and if untreated/undetected turns chronic infection and lasts for few weeks.
Hope this helps.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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