Persistent Painful Bump at the Back of the Head
A 5'6" woman in her early twenties, weighing approximately 120 pounds, recently noticed a hard lump located at the back of her head, roughly an inch behind her right ear. This bump is about a few centimeters in size and is quite tender when touched, making it uncomfortable for her to sleep on that side. She first observed the bump about a week ago, and it has increasingly become more painful, likely exacerbated by her frequent touching of the area. While she has a medical history of cysts, particularly fibroadenomas on the same side of her body, those are generally painless and can be moved. In contrast, this new bump is immobile and feels extremely hard, almost resembling bone, and is sensitive to the touch. She is in the process of arranging a visit with her primary care physician, but in the meantime, she is seeking advice regarding her condition.
Answers (1)
8/24/2025, 7:50:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a concerning bump at the back of your head that is painful and tender. Given your medical history with cysts, it's understandable to be worried about this new, hard, and immobile bump.
Key Points:
- The bump you've described could be due to various factors, including inflammation, a type of cyst (different from your fibroadenomas), or even an enlarged lymph node.
- Tenderness and pain are significant since they may signal inflammation or irritation.
Explanation: Lumps on the head can arise from different causes. In your case, the characteristics you've shared indicate that it may not be just a simple cyst, especially since it feels hard and is painful. For example, if the bump is an enlarged lymph node, it could be reacting to something like an infection or inflammation nearby. The fact that it's tender and has grown more painful suggests that it's important to monitor it closely.
Next Steps:
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Avoid Touching the Bump: As you've mentioned touching the area increases discomfort, try to avoid doing so to allow it to settle. This will also prevent irritation.
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Manage Pain and Discomfort: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with tenderness. Be sure to follow dosing instructions carefully.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in size, pain levels, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, headaches, or changes in vision.
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Gentle Massage: If the pain allows, gently massaging the area may help reduce tension around the bump, but only if it feels comfortable doing so.
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Prepare for Your Doctor Visit: Document your observations about the lump, such as when it appeared, any associated symptoms, and how it has changed over time. This can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.
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Limit Sleep on That Side: If sleeping on that side is uncomfortable, try adjusting your position to prevent additional pressure on the area.
Make sure to follow up with your primary care physician as planned. They will be able to clinically assess the lump and may perform imaging or other tests if necessary for an accurate diagnosis. You're doing the right thing by reaching out and preparing for your appointment.
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