A lot of people get nervous when they have a tumor behind their ear. Such a seal can cause pain when pressed on it. Usually, a lump behind the ear does not require medical intervention, but in some cases a person's condition may worsen, so it is best to visit a doctor to identify the causes of the development of such an ailment. Self-medication in this case is not recommended, as it can provoke unpleasant consequences.
Characteristics and description of pathology
A tumor behind the ear is a neoplasm that is characterized by the appearance of a round-shaped seal, which can be mobile or static when pressed on it. In 60% of cases, the formation does not cause pain, so people usually do not notice the appearance of a bump behind the ear, do not go to a medical facility. But you must immediately visit a doctor in such cases:
- Appearance of aching pain and swelling in the ear.
- Color changeof the skin where the seal has formed.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- The appearance of a tumor is not associated with infection.
It is forbidden to eliminate education on your own. You can not warm up or squeeze out the bump, rub it, as all this can cause the development of inflammation and an increase in the size of the formation. Do not cover the seal with iodine or other preparations. It is important to keep the affected area clean.
Causes of seals
There are several reasons for the appearance of a neoplasm in the ear area, they depend on how quickly its size increases:
- Skin diseases: dermatitis, furuncle.
- Benign ear tumors: hemangioma, fibroma, lipoma, osteoma.
- The appearance of a cyst as a result of blockage of the sebaceous glands.
- Inflammation of the salivary gland.
- Injuries: blow, hematoma, burns, etc.
- Malignant tumor of the ear: sarcoma, leukemia.
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis).
There are also predisposing factors. These include:
- Violation of immunity as a result of damage by viruses, infections, lack of vitamins and minerals.
- Infection of the skin after visiting beauty salons.
- Disorder of the hormonal system: puberty, pregnancy, taking hormonal drugs.
- Chronic diseases: sinusitis, stomatitis, adenoiditis, etc.
- Increased outputsubcutaneous fat.
Before starting therapy, the doctor must determine the possible cause of the pathology.
Atheroma, fibroma and lipoma
Often, a tumor in a person's ear appears as a result of blockage of the sebaceous glands. In this case, the neoplasm can form anywhere: on the lobe, inside the ear, on the cartilage, etc. The formation does not cause pain, there is liquid inside it. If an infection gets inside, it can cause serious complications: the tumor transforms into a different kind.
Lipoma is a benign neoplasm that has a size of more than ten centimeters. Education can be transformed into a malignant tumor behind the ears under the influence of provoking factors.
Fibroma has a small leg that separates it from the skin. This pathology is usually inherited. In most cases, education does not cause discomfort.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes
Lymphadenitis is accompanied by pain, redness, itching in the affected area. In this case, we are talking about inflammation of the parotid lymph nodes. In some cases, the pathology may be accompanied by the formation of pus as a result of the active reproduction of pathogenic microflora.
Inflammation of the salivary gland
Infectious processes can cause swelling behind the ears. Quite often this happens when a person has mumps (mumps). Pathology is accompanied by the development of suchsymptoms such as weakness, fever, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. The disease is contagious, so it is easy to get infected.
Mastoiditis
This disease is a complication of otitis media. In this case, fluid with pathogenic microbes accumulates in the pores of the bone. The neoplasm increases in size, it hurts. A person develops weakness, appetite decreases. Left untreated, facial paralysis and hearing loss develop.
Sarcoma
This type of cancer is quite rare. In this case, a neoplasm may appear in the connective tissue behind the ear. Pathology rarely shows symptoms, it is usually detected when the lump begins to rapidly increase in size.
Ear tumor: symptoms
Sometimes bumps may not bother a person. But in some cases, the following symptoms develop:
- Pain syndrome.
- Itching.
- Puffiness.
- Change skin color.
- Increased body temperature.
The symptomatology of the pathology will depend on the causes of the neoplasm. In any case, you should consult a medical specialist.
Diagnostic measures
Photos of ear tumors can be seen in clinics on the stands, where you need to go if you have unpleasant symptoms that accompany the tumor.
Diagnosis in this case is important,especially when there is a suspicion of a malignant neoplasm. The doctor examines the anamnesis, complaints and symptoms, performs a biopsy if necessary. X-rays, laboratory blood tests may also be prescribed. The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the tumor, palpation, and the results of instrumental and laboratory studies.
Therapy
Treatment will depend on the cause of the pathology. If a bump occurs due to a past disease, it will be sufficient to prescribe homeopathic medicines. With lymphadenitis, neoplasms are not treated, they disappear on their own after a few days. Otherwise, physiotherapy may be prescribed.
When the formation is infected, the doctor prescribes antibacterial, antihistamines, vitamins. Painkillers and decongestants may also be prescribed. With an infectious lesion, the doctor prescribes a diet and bed rest for two weeks. He also prescribes anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs.
Surgery
If the formation has festered and cannot be cured with medication, a surgical operation is performed, during which the tumor is excised. Difficulties may arise during the surgical removal of a large hemangioma, as there is a risk of dangerous bleeding. Chemotherapy is indicated for a cancerous tumor.
The operation is performed in severe cases. With atheroma, it takes about fifteen minutes. Usually it is carried out from aestheticconsiderations when the neoplasm reaches a large size. Lipoma and fibroma can also be removed surgically as a cosmetic defect. With mastoiditis, the affected area is opened and treated, after which antibacterial drugs are prescribed.
Alternative medicine
Traditional medicine can only be used after agreement with the attending physician. Pine syrup helps a lot. To prepare it, you need to boil the branches of pine or spruce for one hour, strain. Take a decoction of one tablespoon three times a day. In the same way, a decoction of chicory is prepared. It must be taken in a similar way.
You can also use the following recipes:
- Grate a few garlic cloves, add forty grams of vegetable oil and lubricate the neoplasm several times a day.
- Squeeze juice from aloe, lubricate the affected area twice a day.
- A small onion is baked in the oven, add forty grams of grated laundry soap, applied to the bump, rewound with a bandage.
Forecast and preventive measures
Prognosis will depend on the causes of pathology. Usually, the bump can be cured with the help of drug therapy. In complex and severe cases, surgery is performed, which allows you to get rid of the neoplasm. Difficulties may arise with the development of a malignant tumor and a huge hemangioma. Therefore, it is important to timelysee a doctor for a diagnosis.
For the purpose of prevention, doctors recommend treating infectious and viral diseases in a timely manner, avoiding injury. You also need to visit the dentist regularly, monitor immunity and personal hygiene. It is important to lead a he althy lifestyle and eat a he althy diet.
