Semi-large bump right behind (not on) ear? (pic)?

Question

Ok so just today I noticed a little pain, only when I really stretch or turn my head far, right behind my right ear.
When I felt around there, I felt a bump no bigger than a nickel (slightly smaller) right behind my ear, on my actual head. 
I am really worried as to what it is, so far the only pain is when I put some sort of pressure with my hand on that area or when I strain it alot when I stretch my neck.
The bump is not extremely firm, it is more 'fleshy' and a 'lump', but not squishy. 
Does anyone have a clue as to what it is and any possible cures?
PICTURE: http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_m17u2o0kFN1qbd7jco1_1280.png?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1332387498&Signature=IGWeBRWbYpCtDfMVP8GEbsOfUVU%3D

AuntKatie · Accepted Answer

I don't think this is something you should ignore, but there are a couple of things you can try.  First of all, apply moist hot compresses to the area a few times a day for about 20 minutes at a time.  Have the compress as hot as you can handle, but obviously don't burn your skin.  This could be something called a sebaceous cyst.  If that is what it is they are harmless but a nuisance.  Check here to learn more about these cysts and to figure out if you think that is what it might be.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_cyst
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/dermatology/a/sebaceouscyst.htm

However, it does not really look like a sebaceous cyst to me.  It could be an insect bite which can sometimes become inflamed and cause the sort of discomfort you describe.  In that case, it will get better on its own without any significant treatment.

It could be a swollen lymph node which can be caused by a cold, allergies, an infection, a thyroid problem, or any number of other things.  Read about that possibility here and it is something you really would need to get checked.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Painful_hard_lump_behind_ear_which_hurts_when_you_touch_it_should_you_be_worried

There is a condition called mastoiditis which is an infection of that bone behind the ear.  Again, this would be something you should get checked.  Read about it here.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002029/

I hope this is of some help.

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Semi-large bump right behind (not on) ear? (pic)?

1 Answer