Firm Bump on the Left Occipital Bone
For the past four years, I have noticed a prominent, hard lump located on the left side of my skull, specifically on the occipital bone. Despite undergoing a CT scan for my brain, as well as X-rays for my neck and spine, medical evaluations have not revealed any findings related to this bump. What could this abnormality indicate, and why hasn't it been recorded in any of my tests? The left side of my skull feels distinctly firmer and more elevated compared to the right side. Additionally, I experience an unusual sensation in my left cheek; it’s not complete numbness, but rather a strange, tingling feeling that occasionally makes my skin feel as if it’s crawling. This odd sensation has also persisted for over four years.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 3:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a firm bump on your skull and the accompanying sensations in your cheek. This situation can be perplexing, especially when imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays don't show any abnormalities.
Main Points:
- The firm bump on your occipital bone could be a benign bone growth, such as an osteoma, or it might be related to other conditions.
- The tingling sensation in your cheek may indicate nerve involvement, which could be separate from the bump.
- It’s essential to monitor changes and consider further evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen.
Explanation:
The bump on your occipital bone may be a benign condition, such as:
- Osteoma: A non-cancerous tumor that can form on bones.
- Fibrous Dysplasia: A condition where normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue, leading to structural weakness.
- Calcifications: Sometimes the body deposits calcium in certain areas, leading to hard bumps.
The tingling sensation in your left cheek might suggest potential nerve irritation or involvement, which could occur due to a few reasons:
- Nerve Compression: Sometimes, bony protrusions can compress nearby nerves.
- Neuropathy: Conditions that affect nerve function, which may be unrelated to the bump.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Changes: Keep track of any changes in size of the bump or alterations in your sensations. Note if the tingling becomes more frequent or severe.
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Gentle Self-Examination: Feel the bump regularly to assess changes in firmness or size, but avoid any aggressive manipulation.
-
Seek Neurology Evaluation: If the tingling sensation increases or new symptoms develop (like significant pain or more persistent numbness), it may be valuable to consult a neurologist for further assessment, as they can provide more focused evaluation on nerve function.
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Consider a Follow-Up Scan: If there are significant changes in either the bump or sensation, discuss with a healthcare provider about possibly repeating imaging or obtaining other specialized tests like an MRI, which can give more detail regarding soft tissue and nerves.
Stay proactive, and ensure to monitor your symptoms closely. If there's anything else you would like to discuss, I’m here to help.
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