A member asked:
I have a lump infount of my ear its getting bigger , is this cancer? im asking now because im having pain , it goes through my neck to my right side of my head
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
If : If it is at the base of the front of your ear, it might be a preauricular lymph node. The lymphatic channel helps clean up debris, dead white blood cells and germs when one has had an infection or inflammation. Lymph nodes can enlarge if you have a canker sore or streph throat. If it gets red, hot, swollen, tender and possibly has drainage then it could be an infection. If it is a lymph node, they usually tend to resolve on their own. But if is not discipating in 2 to 3 weeks you might want to get it checked.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Ardenanswered
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 39 years experience
Statistically : Statistically this is more likely to be benign but much more information is needed to place you in a lower or higher risk category. Important historical information is knowing your age, how long it has been there, how big is the "lump", is it tender to touch?, is it fixed to the skin or can you freely move the skin over it?, is the skin over the lump red or warm?, is there a visible pore or opening over the lump?, any associated facial numbness or weakness?, what makes it better or worse?, has it been treated in any way and if so how and what was the response to treatment?. Questions like this help in stratifying your mass as likely inflammatory/infectious, neoplastic, traumatic, etc. I wish i could be more specific but i believe that any persistent mass/swelling should be looked at for a proper diagnosis and treatment and also to help alleviate your worries over it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.