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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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What Causes A Lump Behind The Ear?

My fiance found a lump behind her right here. she says she has also experienced drainage recently. She frequently gets ear infections but hasnt had one in the last 3 months. I worry more than she does about these things and would greatly appreciate an answer. thank you.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 31 May 2014 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 31 May 2014 Last reviewed on
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
A history of ear infection and associated lump behind the ear suggests a reactive lymph node enlargement after the ear infection.
However, the reactive process has to be confirmed by an aspiration cytology.
In aspiration cytology, the cells are aspirated from the swelling by a needle.
The cells are spread on glass slide and stained with appropriate stains.
The origin and nature of the swelling can be determined by studying these cells.
In case there is reactive lymphadenitis, no treatment is required but the ear has to examined for any evidence of infection.
The lymph node will regress as the ear infection is released.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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What Causes A Lump Behind The Ear?

Hello and welcome to HCM, A history of ear infection and associated lump behind the ear suggests a reactive lymph node enlargement after the ear infection. However, the reactive process has to be confirmed by an aspiration cytology. In aspiration cytology, the cells are aspirated from the swelling by a needle. The cells are spread on glass slide and stained with appropriate stains. The origin and nature of the swelling can be determined by studying these cells. In case there is reactive lymphadenitis, no treatment is required but the ear has to examined for any evidence of infection. The lymph node will regress as the ear infection is released. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal