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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain And Swelling Behind The Ear?

I FELL LAST NIGHT AND HAVE PAIN AND SWELLING DIRECTLY BEHIND MY LEFT EAR. WHEN I STRETCH MY NECK OR HEAD THE PAIN IN THAT AREA INCREASES. I HAVE LAID ON MY LEFT SIDE IN ORDER TO TRY AND SLEEP, BUT THE PAIN HAS KEPT ME UP TONIGHT. IT IS 2:00 AM IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ. ADVISE?
Thu, 15 Jun 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

Well, the most common cause of formation of lump behind the ear that is painful too can be due to infection of the mastoid known as mastoiditis while it can also be due to other causes like a swollen lymph node secondary to infection in head and neck region. Few other causes can be sebaceous cyst, lipoma, abscess, etc. The confirmation of cause can be done after a clinical evaluation and investigations like biopsy if needed. I would suggest you to consult a general physician and get evaluated and treatment can be planned accordingly.

The physician can advise you to take antibiotics and do warm compresses in case of lymph node enlargement secondary to infection. In case of mastoiditis oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory painkiller like Ibuprofen and along with it antibiotic ear drops can also be advised. Other cases will be treated according to the confirmation of diagnosis.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
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What Causes Pain And Swelling Behind The Ear?

Hello, Well, the most common cause of formation of lump behind the ear that is painful too can be due to infection of the mastoid known as mastoiditis while it can also be due to other causes like a swollen lymph node secondary to infection in head and neck region. Few other causes can be sebaceous cyst, lipoma, abscess, etc. The confirmation of cause can be done after a clinical evaluation and investigations like biopsy if needed. I would suggest you to consult a general physician and get evaluated and treatment can be planned accordingly. The physician can advise you to take antibiotics and do warm compresses in case of lymph node enlargement secondary to infection. In case of mastoiditis oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory painkiller like Ibuprofen and along with it antibiotic ear drops can also be advised. Other cases will be treated according to the confirmation of diagnosis. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Honey Arora