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What Causes A Painful Lump Behind The Left Ear?
Hello, For the past few months I have noticed a lump behind my left ear. It is not painful, and it feels a little crunchy or fibrous when I try to massage it. I have severe muscle tension on my left side due to a panic attack disorder. I am wondering if it is a knot at the top of the sternocleidomastoid muscle? I went to a doctor and she assured me that it was not a swollen lymph node. Is a knot behind my ear, near the joint of my jaw possible? I am anxious that this lump is not a knotted muscle. Thank you
Wed, 15 Jun 2016
Hi Dear,
Welcome to HCM.
Understanding your concern. As per your query you have symptoms of painful lump behind the left ear. Painful lump seems to be due to post auricular lymph nodes inflammation or mastoiditis i.e infection or inflammation in bony protrusion behind the ear, which is called the mastoid.
Need not to worry. I would suggest you to apply warm compresses behind ear. Avoid pricking it with any sharp object and consult ENT specialist without any delay . Doctor may order CT scan , MRI or blood test to confirm the diagnosis and rule out conditions like lipoma and lymphadenopathy. Doctor may prescribe antibiotics orally or administer it intravenously.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
Welcome to HCM.
Understanding your concern. As per your query you have symptoms of painful lump behind the left ear. Painful lump seems to be due to post auricular lymph nodes inflammation or mastoiditis i.e infection or inflammation in bony protrusion behind the ear, which is called the mastoid.
Need not to worry. I would suggest you to apply warm compresses behind ear. Avoid pricking it with any sharp object and consult ENT specialist without any delay . Doctor may order CT scan , MRI or blood test to confirm the diagnosis and rule out conditions like lipoma and lymphadenopathy. Doctor may prescribe antibiotics orally or administer it intravenously.
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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