What You Need to Check ASAP If You Have a Lump on Your Neck or Behind the Ear

When the lymphatic system breaks down, the lymph nodes become enlarged and swollen. This medical condition is known as lymphadenopathy. Our lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and hundreds of lymph nodes that filter bacteria and other toxins from our bodies by trapping and destroying them.

Lymphadenopathy may cause the enlargement of lymph nodes in different parts of the bodyincluding the neck, the area around the ears, and under the arms. If you notice that any of your lymph nodes are enlarged and swollen, it’s better to visit a doctor no matter where the swollen nodes are located.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, under the arms, or in the groin are common symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma, the type of cancer that starts in white blood cells, or lymphocytes. Other symptoms of the disease may include night sweats, weight loss, fever, and a persistent cough. Even though in most cases swollen lymph nodes may be caused by infection, it’s better not to ignore this symptom and have the nodes checked as soon as possible.

3. Have your body systems checked for infections.

Viral and bacterial infections often cause swelling and lumps around the neck and ears. The most common infections causing lumps behind the ears include mononucleosis, strep throat, chickenpox, and measles. Some of the infections may cause mastoiditis or the inflammation of the mastoid bone found behind the ear. Mastoiditis, in turn, causes the diseased bone to protrude and form a lump behind the ear.

4. Check if your lumps are caused by sebaceous cysts.

Ear and neck lumps may be caused by sebaceous cysts. These cysts form in damaged or blocked sebaceous glands that produce oil coating our skin and hair. Due to traumas like scratches, wounds or acne, sebaceous glands or their passages may become impaired, which in turn causes a cyst to form. Doctors usually diagnose the cysts during visual examinations, but in some cases, additional testing may be needed.

These causes for neck and ear lumps shouldn’t be ignored. Only a doctor can say what your lumps are and whether or not they need treatment or removal. So, no matter what your other symptoms are, if you notice a lump on your neck or ear, you are better off visiting your doctor.