What Does A Small Dent On Skull Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 2 Dec 2014

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

Tue, 2 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 27 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi: Recently discovered a small (dime-sized) dent on top part of my skull. I'm 44 and think I would have noticed it if was there before, but not exactly sure. Also remember hitting my head quite hard a few months ago. No concussion or blood, just hurt like crazy. But, again, not sure if it was in that spot or not. Initial read online didn't signify anything too sinister, although some things suggested possible cancerous lesion on skull. I have no pain or no other symptoms like dizziness or blurred vision or headaches. Initial visit to doctor and he dismissed it, saying that I probably had it since birth. But he said I shouldn't worry about it. Obviously, the fact that I'm on this site should reveal that I'm very hypochondriac. That said, the dent is real. Anything else you can tell me to give me reassurance?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach picture of dent area and give details of head injury.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Your concern is understandable and I have come across many patients with problems similar to the one you have.

At first, I would like to see a picture of the swelling if possible to know details on location, appearance and size. It would be great if you mentioned details of your injury and when you first noticed the dent.

In most cases, there is no need to worry for such swellings as most are benign and exist only on the surface of the scalp. There have been young men who have consulted me on the topic of ridges and dents and I have reassured after careful detailed examination.

I request you to kindly update me with pictures and I shall proceed with a detailed discussion.

Waiting for your updates.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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