Small lump behind ears are often benign (non-cancerous) and do not cause any pain or discomfort. Many people are likely to develop nodules or lump behind ears due to many factors. Often they need not be treated unless it is caused by specific medical condition. Lump can also be called as nodule or bump or tumor by some people. Lump can be soft in nature or firm. Inflammation of skin cells and infection can cause lump behind ears.
Causes Of Lump Behind Ear :
Some of the major factors that cause lump or nodule behind ears are discussed below :-
1. Bacterial Infection – Infection caused by bacteria or other parasites can cause inflammation of your face and neck region. Strep throat can cause swelling of throat, sore throat and difficulty in swallowing. In addition it can cause small lump behind ears. Similarly infections like measles and chickenpox can cause swelling and lump formation. Mastoiditis is a kind of bacterial ear infection and if not treated promptly it can penetrate deep into the middle ear forming pus filled knots or cysts. Yellowish pus may ooze out of the ears with foul smell.
2. Abscess – Abscess is nothing but small lumps formed on the skin. Body’s defense mechanism gets triggered due to infection sending plenty of white blood cells to the site where infection has developed. These cells get piled up in due course forming pus. Tissues and dead white blood cells get accumulated on the pus leading to abscess or lump behind ear. This condition can cause pain and discomfort.
3. AOM and OME – Two major ear infections by name Acute Otitis Media and Otitis Media Effusion can cause lump with pain in the ear. This condition can be caused by either bacteria or virus. There exists some air filled space behind the middle ear and due to infection this space gets filled with pus like fluid. Both AOM and OME can cause swelling and painful lump behind ear. Common cold, allergy, sinus infection and enlargement of adenoids can cause AOM and when it gets severe it can even penetrate the ear bone of middle ear causing OME. Oral antibiotics and topical antibiotics are prescribed for treating this condition.