What Does A Lump At Base Of The Skull Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 6 Jun 2014

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

Fri, 6 Jun 2014 Answered on

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, my 5 year old daughter has a little pea side lump at the base of her skull. It is situated at the back just a little to the right. I can move it around and it is soft to the touch.

Any ideas to what this might be? Does it warrant a doctor check up?

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely an enlarged lymph node

Detailed Answer:
hi,

thanks for your question.

this is most likely a small gland called a lymph node. any inflammation around the scalp or a viral infection can cause them to become enlarged and they can remain enlarged for a number of weeks to months.

if it is an enlarged lymph node then there is no action to be taken as it is very common and normal in children.

I hope this answers your question.

best wishes

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