Why might lumps appear behind the ears? Possible reasons

Reasons for the formation of bumps behind the ears

There are a number of health problems that can cause lumps and lumps to form behind the ears. It is most likely that this problem may occur with the following diseases:

• mastoiditis;
• otitis media;
• infection;
• abscess;
• lymphadenopathy;
• acne;
• fat cyst.

If you find any suspicious growths, for example, a ball behind the ear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Our clinic specialists are ready to conduct an examination, determine the causes of the disease and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Inner ear cancer

In the first stages of progression, the symptoms of ear cancer resemble chronic otitis media. A sick person develops minor hearing problems, congestion, and purulent lesions. As ear cancer develops, it begins to be accompanied by severe pain and discomfort; patients complain of discomfort in the neck, cheekbone, and temporal zone.

At stages 3 and 4 of auricle cancer, the patient experiences paralysis of facial muscles, impaired swallowing, and immobility of the lower jaw. If the tumor reaches the carotid artery, heavy bleeding may occur. When the tumor spreads into the meninga, carcinomatous meningitis occurs.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, the patient is referred for otoscopy, skull radiography, and histological examination. To clarify the volume of the cancer-affected area, an examination is carried out by a neurologist. MRI and CT are used to determine the characteristics of a malignant tumor, its size and type.

Treatment

Combination therapy is used to treat ear cancer. It usually consists of a subtotal resection of the temporal region with postoperative telegammatherapy. When the tumor spreads to nearby lymph nodes, their excision or Krail operation is performed. At stages 3 and 4 of development, radiotherapy is prescribed. Chemotherapy in this case will be less effective.

Otitis media

Otitis media is another type of ear infection that can be of either viral or bacterial origin. This disease is characterized by the appearance of a lump behind the ear, which is quite painful and can cause swelling. This disease leads to a tumor noticeable even to the naked eye.

Treatment of such pathologies involves the use of potent antibiotics, which can not only alleviate the symptoms, but also fight the infection. Correct treatment can only be prescribed by an experienced doctor who will conduct a full examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Classification of ear oncology

Based on the location of the malignant neoplasm, ear cancer is divided into two types: tumor of the outer and middle ear. Depending on the reasons of origin, the oncological process can be primary and secondary. Depending on the nature and intensity of tumor growth, the pathology of ear cancer can be exophytic and endophytic. Based on the type of histological structure, tumors are divided into the following types:

• spinocellular epithelioma. A distinctive feature of the pathology is the accelerated growth of a malignant tumor. As it progresses, the patient develops a growth in the area of ​​the auricle that regularly bleeds and darkens. In later stages, the tumor affects the entire ear canal;
• basalioma. Squamous cell carcinoma of the ear develops from epithelial cells. The pathology is accompanied by the appearance of an ulcerative formation in the area of ​​the ear cavity, which periodically erupts and causes discomfort to the patient. Ear skin cancer grows slowly and metastasizes only in the last stages;
• sarcoma. Develops from connective tissue. One of the most dangerous types of cancer. When the tumor is localized in the area of ​​the auricle, the progression of the disease occurs in a slow manner. If a cancerous tumor appears near the ear canal, the pathology quickly progresses to stages 3 and 4. Symptoms of ear cancer in this case manifest themselves in the form of pain, impaired jaw mobility, and paralysis of the facial muscles.

In rare cases, melanoma (cancer of the skin of the ear) forms in the ear cavity. Signs of ear cancer in this case manifest themselves in the form of a weeping ulcer, which over time metastasizes to neighboring lymph nodes.

Stages

According to its prevalence, ear cancer occurs in several stages:

• Stage 1. The cancer affects the skin or mucous membrane of the outer ear. In this case, bone and cartilage tissue are not damaged;
• Stage 2. The cancerous tumor penetrates the bone and cartilage tissue, the patient begins to show the first signs of ear cancer in the form of bleeding or purulent lesions;
• Stage 3. The cancer metastasizes to neighboring lymph nodes, the general condition of the sick person worsens;
• Stage 4. Squamous cell carcinoma of the auricle penetrates into the deep cervical lymph nodes, conglomerates and hematogenous metastases form in the patient’s body.

If stage 1 or 2 of the disease is detected, the patient can expect recovery in 90% of cases. At a later stage, the prognosis worsens, and survival rate is reduced by almost 2 times. When ear cancer metastasizes, it is fatal.

Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy is a secondary infection of the throat or ear that begins its development from the lymph nodes. These organ-like structures are small structures located throughout the human body, including the pelvis, armpits, neck and ears.

With the development of infectious diseases, the lymph nodes will become inflamed, which is the immune system’s reaction to the pathogens. The bumps located behind the ears will gradually increase in size. Therefore, if you suspect lymphadenopathy, you should immediately contact qualified specialists.

Clinical picture

The main symptom of the occurrence and development of a boil in the external auditory canal is pain, which can radiate to the eye, neck, teeth, or spread diffusely throughout the head.
It intensifies when talking or chewing, because the head of the mandibular joint is displaced (moved). Pain in the ear intensifies when pressing on the tragus and pulling the auricle upward or backward. In the ear canal you can see a raised area of ​​hyperemic (reddened) skin, which has a rounded shape and narrows its lumen. In some (but rather rare) cases, several boils form at once. It is very difficult to insert the ear funnel into the external auditory canal with severe swelling and inflammation. Infiltration of the skin of the ear canal often extends around the auricle, as well as into the soft tissue of the mastoid process. There is an increase and thickening of regional lymph nodes. When palpated, severe pain is noted. If the boil is located on the front or lower wall of the external auditory canal, then the inflammatory process can spread to the parotid salivary gland, which will lead to its inflammation. Body temperature depends on how severe the intoxication is. In some cases, there is a sharp increase in temperature and chills. When the boil of the external auditory canal matures, it can open on its own. Then the pain decreases, and the patient’s general condition improves significantly. But with such a combination of events, there is a possibility of relapses in the development of the boil.

Friends! Timely and correct treatment will ensure you a speedy recovery!

Acne

Acne occurs as a result of clogged hair follicles and occurs mainly in teenagers. Once oil and dead skin cells accumulate in the pores, pimples or nodules can form. In some cases, neoplasms can be quite impressive in size, hard in structure, and quite painful.

In our clinic, you can make an appointment with an experienced doctor who will conduct an examination, tell you what to do if there is a lump behind your ear, and, if necessary, prescribe additional examinations.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints, medical history and characteristic clinical picture.
This disease should be differentiated from mastoiditis (inflammation of the mastoid process). With the development of a boil, the pain is most pronounced around the auricle, especially in the area of ​​its attachment; no changes are observed in the eardrum, but with mastoiditis, the eardrum is infiltrated and hyperemic. Make an appointment right now!

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Causes

Factors predisposing to the development of ear tumors are physical influences (insolation, radiation, trauma), carcinogenic (heavy metals, aromatic amines, pesticides, sources of PAHs, smoke particles, etc.) and the following chronic diseases:

• chronic eczema ;
• perichondritis;
• warts;
• birthmarks;
• chronic otorrhea.

Preceding diseases include psoriasis , systemic lupus erythematosus and diseases that occur with damage to the ear, as well as causing scar formation, such as after acute otitis externa .

Traumatization of the auricle, for example, when piercing or extinguishing granulations with a solution of silver nitrate , can lead to the formation of a keloid. Without causing discomfort, they can reach significant sizes - the size of a chicken egg, so they often become a cosmetic problem.

Dangerous neoplasms

When a lump that appears near the ear does not disappear, remaining without proper attention and, accordingly, without treatment, it can become denser over time. Then the pathology can be regarded as a chronic form. Its size begins to grow larger, it becomes quite hard, but no longer brings suffering. But the absence of pain and pronounced symptoms does not mean that the inflammatory process has stopped. Any neoplasm must be subjected to medical analysis, as it can develop into a malignant tumor. If, in addition, purulent processes and fistulas occur, the state of health becomes worse, these changes signal that the tissues are significantly infected.

What types of formations are there?

Most often these can be bumps near the ear; they rarely hurt:

1. Atheroma. Doctors consider it to be the least problematic form, since it is caused by blockage of the sebaceous glands. Usually it does not cause discomfort, but it disturbs the aesthetic appearance. It resembles a small pea filled with liquid - the result of secretions from the sebaceous gland, which have begun to thicken. It looks like a capsule with clearly defined edges and a dot in the center. When you press it, you will notice that it rolls. There is a danger of infection if you try to get rid of atheroma on your own. In this case, it can progress and degenerate into another type, and the general condition will worsen. It increases in volume almost imperceptibly, reaching an average of 5 cm.
2. Lipoma. It belongs to a more dangerous form of atheroma, but it is a benign neoplasm. Its formation occurs in soft tissues. It differs in size - up to 10 cm. It can be harmless to a certain extent. If any factor provokes its development, it may be reborn. Usually the trigger is an extreme amount of fat deposits and a blockage that prevents the fat from being distributed evenly.
3. Fibroma. It doesn't hurt and feels quite hard to the touch. It differs in that it has a small leg. Scientists have found that fibroma is inherited and may not bother you, but if it causes pain or begins to bother you, you should consult a doctor.
4. Lymphoma. This formation behind the ear can be recognized by the presence of several bumps that are soldered together, and slight swelling in the part behind the ear is also visible. It is dangerous because it does not cause pain, even if you press on it, but at the same time the person’s general condition becomes worse. Depression occurs more and more often, general tone drops, and the desire to rest constantly arises. A person suddenly loses weight. All these alarming symptoms indicate the malignant nature of the lump, which means you need to urgently visit a doctor.

There are some differences that make it possible to distinguish a malignant formation:

• the skin around it is usually a different color. It takes on a darker shade;
• the formation itself is motionless, as if grown into the tissue;
• when pressed, the patient feels pain;
• its density is high.

In benign formations, the seals are in most cases soft and elastic. They are mostly mobile, seeming to roll under the skin.

What does atheroma behind the ear look like?

The reasons for the development of atheroma include the following factors:

• Disturbance of metabolic processes in the body.
• Harmful factors of external and internal ecology.
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• Diseases of the endocrine system and hormonal imbalance.
• Increased production of sebum by the glands and oily skin.
• Infection of the sebaceous gland duct (during ear piercing, for example).
• Presence of acne and seborrhea of ​​the scalp.

Factors that can trigger the appearance of atheroma include improper and insufficient hygienic care and hypothermia of the body.

General information

Oncology of the auricle is a less common type of pathology, however, we should not forget the threat it can pose. In 85-90% of cases, tumors are localized on the auricle and in approximately 10-15% the tumor is localized in the middle ear.
Among the most common benign tumors of the outer ear are fibromas and papillomas , and more rare ones are chondromas , lipomas and angiomas . Malignant formations are represented by sarcomas (oncology is more often diagnosed in children) and directly cancerous tumors ( carcinomas , melanoblastomas ), which are more susceptible to adults and elderly people.

Treatment and prevention of atheroma

Treatment of atheroma is predominantly surgical, with removal of the cavity along with its contents. To do this, a small skin incision is made on the body, through which access to the atheroma is provided. After removing the contents, the cavity is washed, and if necessary, a turunda is inserted for several days to facilitate the release of blood, pus and fat.

The operation is performed not in a hospital setting, but on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia is used for pain relief. For small atheromas, sutures are not applied, since the skin incision heals on its own after 5-6 days. For large atheromas, cosmetic sutures are applied, which are regularly processed after 1-2 days. The operation itself is painless for the patient, but the danger is that without eliminating the causes that caused the appearance of atheroma, there is a high probability of relapses (almost 50% of all cases). That is why it is so important not only to eliminate the cause of atheroma, but also to take measures to prevent the disease. These include personal hygiene measures and early consultation with a doctor. It is not recommended to treat atheroma on your own.