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What Causes Sore Lumps On Back Of Head?

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Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016
Question: I have these lumps on the back of my head and right side. The right side is sore and causing headache. It started about two days ago. Should I see my doctor on Monday? Is this something that I should address today at the hospital, or not to be that concerned.

Thank You.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please upload photos.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Can you please upload good quality photos of these lumps? To do so, find the button on the right side of the page that says something like "upload reports". It may be on the page where you first posted your question.

Also, can you describe the lumps and history behind them? This would help me provide more specific information about whether they are concerning or not:

When did you first notice them?
How many are there?
Are they firm or rubbery? What do they feel like?
What color are they?
Have they grown since you first notice them?
Are they tender?

Do you have any medical problems or take any medication?

Thanks - this information will help me provide more information for you about the possibilities of what they might be and how urgent it is for evaluation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
They are firm and appeared on Friday or two days ago. I believe there are more forming. They are center and to the right. I believe I counted about 5. And about three small new ones. I only feel pain on the lower back of the head just right of center. I tried to take photos, but unable to get a good photo. I also believe I may have one just forming above the right ear. Could it be something like lymph nodes? or something more I should be concerned with?
I also take metformin and Lipitor.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I think this should be seen in person.

Detailed Answer:
This sounds rather unusual. Common things that cause lumps on the scalp are trauma (produces a "goose egg"), lipomas (benign fatty tumors), sebaceous cysts (skin ducts that get plugged and expand with sebum, an oily skin secretion). Sometimes shingles virus can effect a particular area but these would be very painful and tender. Lymph nodes can get inflamed and make lumps to, but not on the scalp - they would be in the neck.

Since these seem to be coming out rather rapidly and stated abruptly, I don't think they are bruises, lipomas, or sebaceous cysts.

This is beyond my realm. I think they should be examined in person, since this isn't something typical that I can provide you with information about.

Given the number and how quickly they are developing, I suggest you go in to an urgent care clinic tonight or see your own doctor tomorrow who can examine you in person.

If you are told a diagnosis there, I can provide you with more information about that afterwards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Sore Lumps On Back Of Head?

Brief Answer: Please upload photos. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Can you please upload good quality photos of these lumps? To do so, find the button on the right side of the page that says something like "upload reports". It may be on the page where you first posted your question. Also, can you describe the lumps and history behind them? This would help me provide more specific information about whether they are concerning or not: When did you first notice them? How many are there? Are they firm or rubbery? What do they feel like? What color are they? Have they grown since you first notice them? Are they tender? Do you have any medical problems or take any medication? Thanks - this information will help me provide more information for you about the possibilities of what they might be and how urgent it is for evaluation.